You’re not the only one who is flying to or from Dubai on Air India Express and is wondering if your flight is affected. Passengers on the India–UAE route have had to deal with delays, cancellations, aircraft swaps, and sudden route changes in the past few months, often with confusing or late communication because of Air India Express Crisis.
This guide cuts through the noise. No guessing. What to look for, why this is happening, what you have the right to, and what to do next.
1. Check to see if your flight to Dubai is affected
Step 1: Find out what the airline’s official status is
To find out the status of an Air India Express flight, go to the flight status page and type in:
You only find the true update from here.
Step 2: Check in online
Air India Express lets you check in online from 14 days to 1 hour before your flight.
If check-in suddenly stops working or goes away, it could be a sign of trouble.
Step 3: If you booked through an OTA (like MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, or Expedia),
Always:
- First, check the status of the airline.
- After that, check your OTA booking page. OTAs only do things after the airline updates its system.
You can use this tips:
If the airline status page says “Cancelled” or there is a long delay, take screenshots for refunds or insurance and call your booking channel right away.
2. What is going on?
Not all problems are the same. Knowing what bucket your flight is in can help you guess what will happen next.
1. Problems with crew and scheduling
In May 2024, Air India Express had a lot of delays and cancellations because cabin crew members were sick, which messed up schedules on many routes. When there aren’t enough crew members, cancellations can spread throughout the network.
2. Problems with operations on the ground
Some flights between Dubai and India have had long delays on the ground. In some cases, passengers had to stay on the plane for hours because of operational issues.
3. Restructuring of networks and routes
On March 28, 2026, Air India’s Dubai-Kochi and Dubai-Hyderabad routes will switch from Air India (full-service) to Air India Express (low-cost).
3. Dubai Passenger Rights: What the Airline Must Offer at Airports in the UAE
The GCAA Passenger Welfare Program is in effect at airports in the UAE (DXB, DWC) during:
- Cancellations and delays
Changes - Not allowed to board
- Duty of care that is practical
According to Gulf News, which has a lot of information about UAE aviation:
- After two hours: Food and drinks
- After three hours, you can make calls or send emails.
Important note:
If you’re stuck at DXB or DWC for a long time, you can ask airline staff for duty-of-care support under UAE passenger welfare rules. Don’t think it will be given to you automatically.
4. Passenger Rights in India (If You're Leaving India)
If your flight to Dubai starts in India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation Passenger Charter in India protects you.
What it usually covers –
- Cancellations and delays
- Not allowed to board
- Rebooking and getting your money back
Changes - Problems with luggage
For assistance:
Use the method that’s easiest for you—call, WhatsApp, or email—and we’ll help you choose the right plan.
