Flydubai reported “some delays” to its timetable on 18 December after unstable weather swept across Dubai, and apologised to customers for disrupted plans. The airline advised passengers to reach the airport early and stay tuned to its website for real-time updates.
Although the carrier has not cancelled flights outright, ground-handling and air-traffic-management slowdowns are extending turnaround times. Travellers connecting onward on codeshare partner Emirates risk missing downstream flights if buffers are tight.
![Flydubai confirms weather-related delays, advises extra travel time]()
Businesses with project teams flying intra-GCC on Flydubai’s extensive regional network should brace for missed meetings and budget for potential overnight stays. Travel-risk platforms should be updated so that automated alerts trigger when journeys exceed planned windows.
The episode illustrates how second-tier Gulf carriers can be disproportionately affected by slot constraints during extreme weather, even when major hubs remain technically open.
Although the carrier has not cancelled flights outright, ground-handling and air-traffic-management slowdowns are extending turnaround times. Travellers connecting onward on codeshare partner Emirates risk missing downstream flights if buffers are tight.
Businesses with project teams flying intra-GCC on Flydubai’s extensive regional network should brace for missed meetings and budget for potential overnight stays. Travel-risk platforms should be updated so that automated alerts trigger when journeys exceed planned windows.
The episode illustrates how second-tier Gulf carriers can be disproportionately affected by slot constraints during extreme weather, even when major hubs remain technically open.
Source: Khaleej Times
