Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, is currently operating up to 150 daily roundtrip passenger flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Serving around 125 destinations in 77 countries, Emirates is currently operating at approximately 70% of its full network capacity, with plans to gradually resume remaining routes as operational conditions allow.
Current Operating Routes
Emirates’ current route map covers all six continents, with some routes operating at reduced frequencies compared to normal schedules. Key destinations currently being served include major cities in the Indian Subcontinent, Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.
Routes Still Suspended in April
Despite operating a majority of its routes, approximately 20 routes remain suspended in April 2026. This includes routes to Houston, Los Angeles, and Orlando in the US, as well as Osaka in Japan. The airports in Bahrain and Kuwait are also currently closed, affecting flights to these destinations.
Schedule Changes and Reduced Frequencies
While Emirates is operating at around 70% of its full capacity, many routes are still running at reduced frequencies. For example, some routes to major hubs such as London Heathrow and Bangkok are maintaining higher frequencies, while others may see fewer weekly services. Additionally, some flights are operating on adjusted routings, which may add 30-90 minutes to certain European and North American flights.
Foreign Airline Flight Cap at DXB
From April 20th to May 31st, 2026, Dubai has implemented a cap on foreign airlines to one daily rotation at DXB and DWC. This does not apply to UAE-based carriers like Emirates and flydubai, which are operating at full frequencies. However, Indian carriers, as well as European-regulated carriers, are being significantly affected by this restriction.
Upcoming Route Resumptions and New Destinations
Emirates plans to expand its schedule in May and June 2026, with several suspended routes set to return and new destinations being added. This includes the resumption of flights to Houston, Los Angeles, and Orlando, as well as new destinations such as Helsinki and Copenhagen.
Flexible Booking Policies
Emirates has extended its passenger-friendly booking policies during this period. This includes one complimentary date change for bookings made after April 2nd, 2026, and a refund without fees for flights booked on or before May 31st, 2026.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as schedules are being revised on a rolling basis. This can be done through official Emirates channels such as the Emirates Flight Status Tracker or the Emirates app, as well as through third-party tracking tools.
In case of flight cancellations, passengers can rebook or request a refund. Alternative airlines can also be considered if a specific route is affected. Passengers can contact Emirates directly through phone, online, or through the Emirates app for assistance.
Disclaimer: All information presented in this article is accurate at the time of publication