Operational updates

Customers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they have received confirmation that their flight is operating, has been rebooked, or received a revised check-in time.

The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority. We continue to work closely with our stakeholders and authorities to ensure the safe resumption of our operations.

Customer advisory:

• Customers booked to travel between 28 February and 31 March have the option to:
  • Rebook on an alternative flight to the same destination, up to 30 days from the original travel date, with no penalty charges. This can be done through Manage your booking on our website.
  • Cancel your booking and request a full refund to the flydubai voucher, with no penalty charges. This can be done through Manage your booking on our website.
• If you have booked your flight through a travel agent, please contact them for rebooking or refund options.
• If you have received a notification regarding important changes to your existing booking, please follow the instructions provided to make the required changes or submit your refund request.
• Regularly check the flight status and Operational updates for the latest updates before heading to the airport.
• Ensure that your contact details are up to date by visiting Manage your booking.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. We will continue to publish updates as soon as we have any new information.

UAE residents currently outside the UAE whose residency permits expired on or after 28 February 2026 can return to the UAE without a valid re-entry permit or residency permit.

This directive is valid for one month, from 28 February 2026 until 31 March 2026.

• Flights FZ 843 and FZ 844 on 25 February will be the last flights operating from Terminal 3.
• Flights FZ 849 and FZ 850 on 25 February will be the first flights operating from Terminal 5.

Customers affected by these cancellations are advised to contact the flydubai Contact Centre in Dubai at (+971) 600 54 44 45, visit the flydubai travel shop, or reach out to their respective travel agent for rebooking or refund options.

Customers are also advised to update their contact details by visiting Manage your booking and to check the status of their flights on flydubai.com.

Important notes:

• This requirement applies to all destinations, including GCC countries, regardless of local entry rules.
• Passengers whose documents do not meet this requirement will not be allowed to check in.

We strongly recommend verifying your passport or Emirates ID validity well in advance to avoid disruptions.

Passport renewal services

If your passport is close to expiry, renewal services are available at:

• Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) – Arrival Level Immigration Offices
• The renewal process typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on passenger volume.

Who is affected:

• Non-EU/Schengen nationals, including UAE passport holders, travelling to or from Schengen countries for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

Who is not affected:

• EU citizens, Schengen residents, and holders of long-stay visas or residence permits.

What to expect:

• On your first arrival, border officials will collect:
  • Biometric data (fingerprints and facial image)
  • Passport details
• On future visits, this information will already be stored, and your entry/exit will be recorded digitally.

Passengers are advised to allow extra time at border checks, especially during their first trip after the implementation of new system.

For more information, visit the official EU EES information page.

• The form must be submitted no earlier than 72 hours and no later than 24 hours before your flight’s departure.
• There is no registration fee for submitting the e-Arrival Card online.
• Passengers who do not complete the form in advance may face delays at immigration upon arrival in India.

For more details and to complete the form, visit the India Bureau of Immigration website.

To help ensure a smooth journey, please take note of the following travel tips: 

• Please arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight departure. Please note that check-in closes 60 minutes before the departure time of your flight.
• Make sure your contact information is up to date. You can do this via Manage booking portal.
• Save time at the airport by checking in online from 48 hours to 75 minutes before your flight from Sofia.