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The UAE aviation sector is preparing for potential disruptions as unstable weather conditions are forecast to affect large parts of the country over the next few days.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has warned that weather on December 19 is expected to be unstable, with partly cloudy to cloudy conditions at times and the formation of convective clouds over scattered areas.
The forecast indicates rainfall of varying intensity, which may be accompanied by lightning, thunder and hail over limited areas, alongside a noticeable drop in temperatures, a WAM report said.
Read more-Heavy rain, fierce winds: How Dubai Police are bracing for unstable weather
The evolving weather conditions have prompted airlines and airport authorities across the UAE and the wider Gulf region to issue advisories aimed at minimising operational impact and ensuring passenger safety during what is already a busy travel period.
flydubai flags possible operational impact at Dubai International
Low-cost carrier flydubai was among the first airlines to issue a formal travel advisory, highlighting the potential impact of adverse weather on operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB). In an update published on December 18 at 08:32am Dubai time, the airline cautioned that weather conditions over the coming days could affect both flight schedules and passenger journeys to and from the airport.
flydubai urged passengers to allow extra time for their journeys and to ensure that their contact details are up to date via the Manage Booking section of flydubai.com. The airline also encouraged customers to take advantage of online check-in options, available between 48 hours and 75 minutes before departure, as well as Home Check-in and City Check-in services available at flydubai’s Travel Shop in Sharjah.
The airline reiterated the importance of checking baggage allowances in advance and advised passengers to arrive at the airport at least four hours before departure, noting that check-in closes 60 minutes prior to flight time. flydubai also highlighted the availability of self-service kiosks in Terminal 2, allowing passengers to print baggage tags and proceed directly to dedicated bag drop desks.
Passengers were advised to regularly monitor flight status updates and airport information screens to stay informed about departure gates and boarding times.
Emirates urges early arrival amid rain and wind forecast
Full-service carrier Emirates also issued an advisory for customers departing Dubai between December 18 and December 19. In an update last revised on December 18 at 11:19am Dubai time, the airline confirmed that rainy and windy weather is expected across the UAE starting December 18 until midday on December 19, 2025.
Emirates strongly advised all customers to arrive at Dubai International Airport four hours before their scheduled departure, warning that weather conditions may affect road visibility and driving conditions. Customers were encouraged to plan additional commute time or use the Dubai Metro as an alternative transport option.
As part of its contingency planning, Emirates confirmed that customers travelling in First and Business Class with confirmed Chauffeur Drive bookings would be collected one hour earlier than originally scheduled. The airline also reminded passengers to verify their contact details through the Manage Your Booking section to ensure they receive timely updates.
Emirates concluded its advisory by wishing customers smooth and safe travels during the busy holiday season and directing them to additional check-in options designed to streamline the airport experience.
Air Arabia warns of delays across UAE routes
Sharjah-based Air Arabia issued a separate travel update, cautioning that flights to and from the UAE may experience delays over the next 24 hours due to unstable weather conditions. The airline advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid inconvenience.
⚠️ Heads up! We’re expecting rainy weather 🌧️
✈️ Be sure to check your flight status with your airline⁰⌚️ Allow for extra time to arrive at @DXB⁰🚄 Use the @RTA_Dubai Metro where possible ⁰🚗 Map your route using smart apps for real-time traffic updates
— DXB (@DXB) December 18, 2025
Dubai Airports echoes caution as rain approaches
Dubai Airports reinforced the airline advisories through a post on its official X account, alerting passengers to expected rainy weather. The airport operator advised travellers to check flight status directly with their airlines, allow extra time to reach DXB, use the Dubai Metro where possible, and rely on smart navigation apps for real-time traffic updates.
Regional impact extends to Kuwait Airways
The impact of unstable weather is not limited to the UAE. Kuwait Airways announced on December 17 that some flights may be rescheduled from Thursday evening, December 18, until Friday evening, December 19, due to weather conditions affecting the country.
According to a Kuwait News Agency report, the airline cited unstable weather across the GCC region and adherence to passenger and aircraft safety standards as the basis for the decision.
Kuwait Airways stated that updates would be communicated using the contact information provided in passenger tickets and shared customer service contact numbers for further inquiries.
As weather conditions continue to evolve, airlines and airport authorities across the region are urging passengers to stay informed, plan ahead and remain flexible, underscoring how meteorological volatility can ripple quickly through the Gulf’s tightly interconnected aviation network.
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