FlyDubai Flight Delays and Cancellations: Today’s Live Updates

Nicolle Harwood-Nash

By:  Nicolle Harwood-Nash

Last Updated:  May 26, 2025

How FlyDubai Delays and Cancellations Affect UK Travellers

FlyDubai, Dubai’s low-cost airline (IATA: FZ), has become an important connecting carrier for UK travelers even though it doesn’t operate any direct UK flights. Many Brits encounter FlyDubai via its partnership with Emirates, connecting in Dubai to reach over 110 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Below we explore FlyDubai’s flight performance (delays and cancellations), how it compares globally, which routes see the most disruptions, and what UK and EU compensation rules mean for you.

FlyDubai’s On-Time Performance: Delays and Cancellations

For a low-cost carrier, FlyDubai’s punctuality is reasonably solid. Recent data shows about 77.7% of FlyDubai flights arrive on time (within 15 minutes). In other words, roughly one in five flights runs late. The average delay tends to be modest (often under an hour in delay when it does occur). Importantly, flight cancellations are rare. FlyDubai completed 99.7% of its flights recently, implying a cancellation rate around only 0.3%. This means the vast majority of FlyDubai flights take off as scheduled.

To put those numbers in perspective, the overall on-time performance for UK flights in late 2023 was about 71%, so FlyDubai’s ~78% OTP was slightly better than the UK average. It’s not world-leading, but far from the worst. The most punctual global airlines (e.g. Avianca) reach 85%+ on-time arrivals, whereas some European carriers struggled with delays last year. For example, British Airways had 37% of its flights delayed in 2023 (meaning only ~63% on time). In this context, FlyDubai’s performance is around the middle of the pack: Not as punctual as the top global performers, but outperforming some big-name airlines on reliability.

Routes Prone to Disruption

Historically, flights between the UK and Dubai have been among the more delay-prone. In one Civil Aviation Authority analysis, UK–Dubai flights had an on-time performance of just 66% (the worst of any major destination at the time). This was a snapshot from early 2012, and operations have improved since, but it highlights that the London–Dubai corridor can be susceptible to delays. The causes include heavy air traffic through Dubai’s busy hub, lengthy flight times (around 7 hours, increasing exposure to knock-on delays), and congestion at London airports. In fact, London Gatwick was recently rated the UK’s worst airport for delays, with departing flights averaging 23+ minute delays in 2024, which inevitably affects long-haul routes to places like Dubai.

Outside the UK–Dubai sector, seasonal holiday destinations in Europe can experience delays during peak summer (e.g. airspace capacity issues in Europe have pushed average delays to 15+ minutes in 2023).

Your Options in Case of FlyDubai’s Flight Interruptions

Remember: Under UK and EU air passenger rights, it does not matter that FlyDubai is a non-European airline. What matters is your route’s origin. If your FlyDubai flight departs from the UK or EU, you are covered by these compensation rules. Conversely, if you fly into the UK/EU on FlyDubai from elsewhere (with no EU/UK origin), those laws do not apply.

For example, consider the following FlyDubai routes for a delay or cancellation scenario:

1. London (UK) --> Dubai (UAE) – Eligible for compensation.

If the delay or cancellation happens on the FlyDubai leg (e.g. Dubai–Kathmandu), but your trip started in the UK and was booked as one ticket, then you are eligible for UK261 compensation if FlyDubai is responsible and the delay was their fault (technical, crew issue, etc.). However, you may need to submit the claim to Emirates as the marketing or ticketing carrier (depending on how the ticket was issued)

Key detail: If Emirates issued your ticket (e.g. you booked on their site), they may be the point of contact, even though FlyDubai operated the disrupted flight. But legally, the operating carrier is on the hook under EU/UK law, so FlyDubai can still be liable - especially if Emirates passes the buck.

2. Dubai (UAE) --> London (UK) – Not eligible under UK/EU rules.

Departing from outside the UK/EU on a non-UK carrier means UK261/EU261 rights don’t apply, so no statutory compensation is due for long delays – though FlyDubai must still provide refunds or rebooking for cancellations.

Note: The same logic applies across Europe. For instance, FlyDubai’s flights from EU cities like Milan or Prague to Dubai qualify for EU261 protection, whereas the return legs from Dubai do not. So always look at departure airport jurisdiction. If it’s an EU member state or the UK, you have strong passenger rights. If not, you’ll have to rely on the airline’s goodwill policies or travel insurance.

Here is a clear and simple table summarizing some of the most disrupted FlyDubai routes from Europe that are eligible for compensation under EU261:

The compensation amounts (for lengthy delays 3+ hours or short-notice cancellations) can be significant – up to £520 / €600 per person for long flights. Just remember that there are exceptions (e.g. bad weather or air traffic control strikes, which count as “extraordinary circumstances” and excuse the payout). FlyDubai, like all airlines, won’t pay if a delay is truly outside their control. But technical faults, crew issues, etc., are within their control, so if you suspect you’re eligible, it’s worth claiming.

Check your flight

Expert Tips from Anton Radchenko on Handling Delays

Finally, what should travelers do when faced with a flight disruption? Here are the top tips for FlyDubai passengers dealing with delays and cancellations:

• Know your rights and stand firm: Airlines often count on passengers not knowing UK261/EU261 rules. If you’re delayed 3+ hours and it’s the airline’s fault, you may be owed up to £520. If denied, don’t give up - escalate or use a claims service.
• Never accept vouchers in lieu of cash: Always ask for cash compensation - not vouchers. Vouchers can limit your rights or come with conditions. You’re legally entitled to cash.
• Use travel insurance for non-covered flights: For flights like Dubai–UK (which aren’t protected by UK261), insurance is your safety net. It can cover delays, cancellations, and missed connections outside UK/EU scope.
• Keep records and receipts: Save boarding passes, delay notices, and receipts. If FlyDubai doesn’t provide meals or hotels during long delays, you can claim costs back - but you need proof.

Stay informed and persistent. Knowing your rights makes it much harder for airlines to dismiss your claim.

Conclusion: What UK Travelers Should Take Away

For UK flyers, FlyDubai offers a budget-friendly gateway to Dubai and onward to dozens of destinations. Its operational performance is decent – not perfect, but generally in line with industry averages. Delays happen, so build a bit of buffer into your plans when flying this route (especially during peak travel seasons). Crucially, remember your compensation rights: departures from the UK (or EU) on FlyDubai mean you’re protected, so a serious delay or cancellation could make you eligible for up to hundreds of pounds in recompense. On the flip side, if you’re on a return leg from Dubai to the UK, UK/EU law won’t automatically cover you – so plan accordingly (e.g. consider travel insurance and keep an eye on FlyDubai’s own passenger care commitments).

In summary, knowing what to expect from FlyDubai and what you’re entitled to can make all the difference. The airline’s expanding network and partnership with Emirates are opening more options for UK travelers, but with that comes the usual air travel hiccups.

Sources:

1. UK CAA Punctuality Reports; FlyDubai performance data (Cirium/OAG via Aviation Business) 
2. CAA statistics on delays (UK and global context) 
3. Emirates on UK/EU261 applicability 
4. Expert commentary by Anton Radchenko
5. FlyDubai network info and news 

Author:

Nicolle Harwood-Nash

Job/Position: Content Creator

An accomplished copywriter and editor with over 15 years of global experience in copywriting and editing.

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