The Guide to Emirates’ Cancellation Policy

No one wants to receive the dreaded notification that their flights have been canceled. Worse than delays, cancellations can outright ruin a vacation, especially when they’re late notice.

Let’s examine Emirates’ cancellation policy, what to do if your Emirates flight is canceled and how to obtain a refund for your flight.

Why do Emirates flights get canceled?

There are different reasons why flights get canceled, some of which are the fault of the airline and some of which constitute extraordinary circumstances. Here are some common reasons why flights are canceled:

• Maintenance or crew issues.

• Extreme weather.

• Air traffic control.

• Heavy air traffic.

• Late-arriving aircraft.

• Security issues. 

» Learn more: How to book a flight that (likely) won’t get canceled

What to do if Emirates cancels your flight

If Emirates ends up canceling your flight, you’ll first want to make sure you contact the airline. Per the U.S. Department of Transportation, when you book a ticket with an airline, the airline is required to get you to your destination.

This may mean Emirates moves you to a new flight they’re operating, whether that’s a few hours earlier/later or a day later. It can also mean they book a ticket for you on another airline.

If the substituted flights don’t work for you and you choose not to travel, you can opt for a full refund of the fare you’ve paid.

Emirates flights traveling from the European Union are subject to flight regulation EU261. This means if your flight is canceled, you may also be entitled to cash compensation.

» Learn more: How to contact Emirates customer service

Does Emirates rebook you after a flight cancellation?

If your flight is canceled, Emirates will try to confirm you on an alternative flight to your final destination. If you agree to the change, the airline will rebook your ticket. Be aware that if Emirates has rebooked you on a different airline, you’ll need to follow that airline's check-in process and regulations.

If you’ve opted for a refund, it’s up to you to rebook your flight. This can be tricky when flights are canceled close to departure since prices tend to increase the closer you get to departure.

One way around this is to consider using your airline miles for a ticket. In contrast to paid tickets, award tickets for flights tend to become more available the closer to departure. This can help save you money on last-minute bookings.

» Learn more: A beginner's guide to traveling on points and miles

How to get a refund from Emirates

If you’re looking for a refund from Emirates, you have a few options. If you’ve been notified online that your flight has been canceled, you may be able to use the Manage Your Booking interface to reject the alternate flight option and request your refund. You'll need your booking reference number to retrieve your reservation.

If you prefer to speak with somebody about your Emirates canceled flight, you can call Emirates customer service at 800-777-3999. An agent will be able to help you request a refund.

Note that the Department of Transportation will be instituting a rule beginning June, 2024, that impacts how Emirates refunds you for a canceled flight to, from or within the United States.

The new rule states that if no alternate options are available or you choose not to travel, Emirates will be required to automatically refund you within seven business days (if you paid via credit card) or 20 calendar days (via other payment methods).

» Learn more: Emirates refund policy

Credit cards and travel insurance that can get your money back

The right travel insurance can pay for the expenses you encounter due to the cancellation. This isn’t limited to the costs for overnight stays, either. Common expenses you may face include:

• Clothing.

• Cruise fares. 

• Lodging.

• Meals.

• Prepaid hotels.

• Prepaid tours.

• Toiletries.

An airline isn’t responsible for covering any of this, but travel insurance is. And many credit cards that provide complimentary travel insurance. To be eligible for the insurance these cards offer, you’ll need to use your card to pay for your airfare.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card are two good examples of cards that offer travel insurance. In addition to protections for trip delays and interruption, these cards offer rental car insurance, emergency medical coverage, delayed luggage reimbursement, lost luggage insurance, travel accident insurance and more.

If you’d prefer, you can purchase a stand-alone travel insurance policy to ensure that you’re covered. Before doing so, be sure to generate multiple quotes to get a good grasp of cost and coverage. Insurance aggregators such as Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) can make this simple as they'll produce quotes from multiple companies with a single search.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

If your Emirates flight is canceled

If your Emirates flight has been canceled, you have rights. Whether you’re flying from the United States, the United Arab Emirates or the European Union, you’re entitled to a refund.

However, that’s where Emirates’ responsibility ends. If you end up delayed or facing a canceled vacation, travel insurance can help cover your expenses for any prepaid, nonrefundable bookings or added costs incurred.