Travelers hoping for a sun-soaked getaway to Cyprus or Malta this week have found themselves caught in the crosswinds of industrial unrest, as Emirates, the world’s busiest international airline, abruptly canceled one of its most popular Mediterranean services. On Thursday, September 11, 2025, Emirates announced the cancellation of flight EK109 from Dubai to Larnaca, Cyprus, due to a three-hour nationwide strike by Cypriot trade unions. The strike, scheduled from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm local time, rippled across Larnaca and Paphos airports, disrupting more than 50 flights and impacting over 15,000 passengers, according to multiple reports including Travels Dubai and What’s On Dubai.
Larnaca, with its golden beaches, lively tavernas, and ancient ruins, has long been a favored quick escape for UAE residents. The news of the flight cancellation sent a wave of disappointment through holidaymakers, many of whom had been looking forward to a seamless Mediterranean break. As Travels Dubai noted, "Larnaca isn’t just another airport on the map," highlighting its status as a top destination for weekend getaways from the UAE.
The main casualty of this labor action was Emirates flight EK109, which typically links Dubai with Larnaca before continuing onward to Malta. With the strike looming, Emirates swiftly pivoted, converting EK109 into EK8109—a direct Dubai-to-Malta service. This adjustment meant that, on September 11, there would be no Cyprus stop. EK8109 departed Dubai International Airport at 10:10 am GST, landing in Malta at 2:00 pm local time, as confirmed by the airline’s official update posted on Tuesday, September 9, at 3:49 pm.
For travelers heading directly to Malta, the sudden change turned out to be a silver lining. Instead of the usual two-leg journey, they enjoyed a faster, non-stop flight. But for those bound for Cyprus, the disruption proved more complicated. Passengers originally booked to Larnaca were automatically rerouted—first flying to Malta on EK8109, then connecting onward to Cyprus via flight EK110. As Time Out Dubai and Travels Dubai reported, this workaround, while not as convenient as the original direct route, at least ensured that travelers could still reach their destination, albeit with extra travel time and a layover in Malta.
Emirates emphasized its commitment to minimizing inconvenience, stating that affected passengers would be rebooked automatically. The airline began contacting customers as early as September 9, urging them to check and update their contact details through the Manage Your Booking section of the Emirates website. "Last-minute flight changes only work smoothly if you actually receive the alerts," Travels Dubai reminded readers, underlining the importance of staying informed during such disruptions.
Meanwhile, return flights for passengers already in Cyprus or Malta remained largely unaffected. Emirates flight EK110, which operates from Malta through Larnaca to Dubai, continued to run according to schedule on September 11, providing some relief for travelers worried about getting stranded abroad. As What’s On Dubai and Travels Dubai both confirmed, "EK110 from Malta via Larnaca to Dubai will operate normally on September 11, 2025."
The wider impact of the Cypriot strike, however, was significant. More than 50 flights at Larnaca and Paphos airports were affected, with over 15,000 passengers facing delays or cancellations, according to Cyprus Airways News. The three-hour walkout by trade unions was part of a broader labor movement, highlighting the ongoing challenges airlines face in an unpredictable travel landscape. Even a powerhouse like Emirates, renowned for its reliability and customer service, found itself at the mercy of events beyond its control.
In a statement, Emirates expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the disruption. The airline apologized to affected customers, reiterating its commitment to supporting travelers and ensuring they reached their destinations. "The carrier has apologised for the disruption and is working to minimise inconvenience for affected travellers," reported Travels Dubai.
For those looking to salvage their holiday plans, Emirates advised checking updated itineraries and staying in contact with the airline for the latest information. Passengers were also encouraged to reach out to their booking agents or Emirates customer service for any additional assistance. As What’s On Dubai put it, "For up to the minute updates, Emirates has also requested that any customers due to fly keep their contact details updated via the Manage Your Booking section of the website."
The sudden rerouting of EK109 to EK8109, and the subsequent rebooking of passengers via Malta, also underscored the importance of flexibility in air travel. While some travelers found their journey streamlined, others faced added complexity and longer travel times. Still, Emirates’ proactive approach in notifying passengers and offering solutions was widely noted as a positive response to a challenging situation.
Travel industry observers pointed out that, while such disruptions are never welcome, they have become an unfortunate reality in the modern aviation sector, where labor disputes, weather events, and other unforeseen circumstances can throw even the best-laid plans into disarray. As Travels Dubai observed, "These kinds of disruptions are a reminder that even the most reliable carriers are at the mercy of events beyond their control."
For now, the advice for travelers is clear: check your bookings, keep your contact information up to date, and be prepared for changes. Emirates has promised to keep passengers informed and to do its utmost to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely and with as little hassle as possible. The airline’s handling of the situation—swift rerouting, proactive communication, and a clear apology—demonstrates the kind of customer service that has made it a leader in international travel.
As the sun sets on this week’s Mediterranean travel plans, passengers are reminded that a little flexibility goes a long way. With the strike set to conclude and flights returning to normal, most travelers will soon be back on track—perhaps with a story or two to tell about navigating the unpredictable world of modern air travel.
