By: Paramita Sarkar

Air Arabia has issued a travel advisory for flights from Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) following an active weather system affecting the UAE. The advisory, triggered by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds, warns of flight delays and cancellations from March 21 to 27, 2026.

The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued an orange alert for these areas, forecasting severe weather conditions with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong gusty winds that could severely reduce visibility and affect flight safety. The conditions are expected to persist for several days, with major impacts on flights into and out of the three key airports.

Air Arabia has advised passengers to stay updated on flight statuses and to plan accordingly to avoid travel disruptions. The airline’s operations at Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah airports are likely to be affected by delays, and travelers are encouraged to verify their flight details in advance.

Key Affected Airports

The weather system’s impact is most severe at three of Air Arabia’s key hubs:

Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum (DWC) airports are not included in this advisory as they are not primary hubs for Air Arabia, though other UAE airlines have issued warnings for these locations.

Verified Passenger Instructions

Air Arabia has outlined several crucial steps for affected passengers. Travelers are advised to:

• Verify Flight Status: Passengers should use the airline’s flight tracker to check the latest updates before heading to the airport.
• Confirmed Bookings Only: Only passengers with confirmed bookings will be allowed to enter the airport. Standby and ticket purchases at the airport are not allowed under the current conditions.
• Allow for Extra Time: Passengers traveling to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, or Ras Al Khaimah airports should account for potential waterlogging and traffic disruptions, which could significantly delay ground transport.
• Update Contact Information: Passengers should ensure that their contact details are updated on the “Manage My Booking” portal to receive real-time notifications about flight changes or cancellations.

Flight Cancellation and Rebooking Policies

In the event of flight cancellations due to adverse weather conditions, Air Arabia’s policies ensure flexibility for affected passengers. Passengers are entitled to:

• A free date change, valid within 30 days of the original flight date.
• A full credit voucher for future travel.
• A full refund to the original payment method if the flight is canceled.

Important Notes on Weather and Safety

The NCM has provided additional warnings about potentially hazardous conditions that include reduced visibility and high winds at all affected airports. Passengers should be prepared for possible disruptions to flight schedules and take necessary precautions for their safety.

Air Arabia has emphasized that the weather-related issues are likely to cause delays and operational changes for the remainder of the week, with the highest risk periods predicted to occur between March 21 and March 27, 2026. The airline recommends that travelers remain flexible and stay in constant contact with Air Arabia for the most up-to-date flight information.

Flight Delays and Adjustments: A Data Snapshot

Urgent Recommendations for Travelers

Travelers who are flying into or out of the affected airports should take urgent action to minimize disruption. Verify your flight status online to avoid unnecessary trips to the airport and ensure that all contact information is correct in your Air Arabia booking.

Given the nature of the weather, delays are anticipated, and Air Arabia strongly encourages passengers to take advantage of the flexible rebooking policies provided in case of cancellations. This period of unsettled weather presents a considerable challenge to air travel, particularly for those relying on timely arrivals or departures from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.

Conclusion: Navigate the Disruption with Care

Travel disruptions, particularly those caused by severe weather, can be stressful and frustrating. However, with Air Arabia’s clear instructions and flexible policies, passengers can navigate this situation with greater ease. As the storm system progresses across the UAE, travelers should remain vigilant and prepared to adjust their plans accordingly to ensure their safety and minimize the impact of any potential delays.

Image:  Sharjah International Airport