Operational updates

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Passport validity for UAE nationals travelling from the UAE

Published on: 22 October 2025, 10:47 Dubai (GMT+4)

In line with UAE government regulations, UAE nationals must hold a travel document valid for at least 6 months, whether travelling with a passport or Emirates ID. Read more

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.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

Published on: 22 October 2025, 11:01 Dubai (GMT+4)

Effective 12 October 2025, the European Union implemented the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at Schengen Area borders, replacing manual passport stamps with a digital record. Read more

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.

New e-Arrival Card for non-Indian nationals flying to India

Published on: 22 October 2025, 10:46 Dubai (GMT+4)

Effective 01 October 2025, all non-Indian nationals, including OCI card holders, are required to complete the digital e-Arrival Card on the India Bureau of Immigration website. Read more

  • 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.

Construction works at Sofia Airport

Published on: 25 May 2025, 00:00 Dubai (GMT+4)

Due to construction works at Sofia Airport, we are expecting the airport to be busier than usual. Read more

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.
Restriction on carriage of pagers and walkie-talkies

Published on: 04 October 2024, 16:38 Dubai (GMT+4)

Until further notice, passengers travelling from or transiting through Dubai are not allowed to carry pagers and walkie-talkies in hand baggage, checked baggage, or cargo.

Acceptance of children under 17 years to the UAE

Published on: 26 July 2024, 10:25 Dubai (GMT+4)

Until further notice, children aged 17 and under are not permitted to travel on a tourist or visitor visa unless accompanied by a parent or authorized guardian. This restriction does not apply to visa-exempt or visa-on-arrival nationals.

flydubai’s MAX 9 aircraft are not affected by the directive by the FAA

Published on: 10 January 2024, 12:01 Dubai (GMT+4)

Following The Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 06 January 2024, flydubai can confirm that the three Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft in its fleet are not affected. Read more

flydubai operates Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft with a deactivated mid-aft exit door configuration which is not referenced in the directive.

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