Disruptions along Central Asian and Eastern European air routes have led to 46 flight delays and 4 cancellations across UAE airports. The cancelled flights include Flydubai's FZ1502 to Catania, Italy; Emirates' EK413 to Christchurch, New Zealand; Air India Express's flight to Kochi, India; and SpiceJet's SG5060 to Mumbai. Among the most significant delays was Etihad Airways flight EY858 from Sochi, Russia, which was held up for 18 hours after the departure airport in the Russian city was temporarily closed. Numerous other flights to and from Central Asian and Eastern European destinations faced shorter delays, though the exact cause of each individual case has not been separately disclosed. Aviation industry sources stressed that the disruptions have not derailed the broader operations of UAE-based carriers, which continue to fly at near-full capacity. Officials expect flight volumes at UAE airports to exceed current capacity levels as winter travel demand builds toward the end of the year. Passengers booked on flights to the affected destinations, or on routes touching Russia and Central Asia, are advised to check their flight status through the airline's or airport's website before heading to the airport, to stay informed of any further delays.