Air travel update: Etihad extends suspended flights as regional airspace concerns continue.
Dubai: Travellers flying to or from the UAE today are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport as the US, UK, Canada and Australia have updated their travel advisories, warning that the Middle East security situation remains uncertain and could affect flight operations.
The renewed advisories come as airlines across the region continue to modify schedules and adjust services amid ongoing regional developments.
Etihad Airways has extended the suspension of selected flights to Bahrain and Kuwait, while flydubai has cancelled one service to Bahrain.
While UAE airports continue to operate largely as normal, passengers are advised to remain in contact with their airlines, verify flight details before travelling and follow the latest travel updates.
Latest updates
US: Travellers advised to prepare for possible flight disruptions
The US Department of State continues to maintain its Worldwide Caution, alerting American citizens to a “complex security environment” and warning that further escalation in the Middle East remains possible.
The advisory recommends that travellers remain prepared for possible:
- Flight cancellations
- Airspace restrictions or closures
- Disruptions to travel plans
It also highlights that some airlines have delayed the restart of services or cancelled certain routes, urging passengers to confirm flight details directly with their airline before departure.
UK: Security situation remains unpredictable
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to warn that, despite the memorandum of understanding announced between the US and Iran, the regional security situation remains uncertain and further attacks could occur with little notice.
British nationals are advised to:
- Follow guidance issued by local authorities
- Stay updated through local and international news sources
- Ensure travel documents remain valid and up to date
- Regularly reassess their travel plans
The FCDO also cautions that airports and other civilian infrastructure have previously been affected during periods of heightened regional tensions.
Canada: Non-essential travel discouraged
The Government of Canada continues to advise against non-essential travel to the UAE.
Its latest guidance warns that any renewed missile or drone attacks in the region could lead to additional flight cancellations and disruptions to travel.
Canadian authorities have also reminded visitors that photographing or sharing images of military sites or security-related incidents may result in serious penalties under UAE laws.
Australia: Travellers advised to depart while commercial flights remain available
Australia has warned that the regional security situation remains highly volatile, advising Australians in the area to consider leaving while commercial flight options are still available, provided it is safe to do so.
The advisory notes that ongoing military activity could continue to impact airline schedules and flight operations, urging travellers to closely monitor the latest developments.
EASA maintains Gulf airspace warning
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin until August 31, keeping its advisory on Gulf airspace risks in place.
The agency continues to advise airlines and operators to exercise extreme caution in parts of the Gulf, citing ongoing risks from missile and drone activity, military operations and possible falling debris.
UAE airline updates
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has extended the cancellation of flights EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Kuwait International Airport until July 26, citing operational reasons.
Flights operating between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain will also remain suspended until July 25.
Passengers affected by flight changes are advised to keep their contact details updated to ensure they receive the latest notifications through SMS or email.
Emirates
Emirates continues to operate its scheduled services, although a limited number of flights are still experiencing delays.
flydubai
flydubai has cancelled the following service:
- FZ003 / EK2026 from Dubai to Bahrain
Passengers are advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport to avoid any inconvenience.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has cancelled the following flights:
- G9772 from Alexandria to Sharjah
- G9122 / G9121 between Kuwait City and Sharjah
- G9399 from Jizan to Sharjah
- G9138 from Sharjah to Doha
Qatar Airways extends flight suspensions
Qatar Airways has extended the temporary suspension of passenger services to:
- Bahrain
- Erbil
- Kuwait
The suspensions will remain in effect until July 31.
| Airline | Latest update |
|---|---|
| Aegean Airlines | Dubai services cancelled until August 31. |
| Air Astana | Dubai flights from Almaty and Astana suspended until August 31. Passengers can access refund and rebooking options. |
| Air Canada | Toronto–Dubai flights suspended until October 24. |
| Air France | Dubai services expected to resume on July 27; flights to Riyadh suspended until July 24 and Beirut until August 2. |
| airBaltic | Riga–Dubai services suspended. |
| British Airways | Flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv suspended until October 31. Doha and Riyadh services reduced, while the Jeddah route has been permanently withdrawn. |
| Cathay Pacific | Dubai flights suspended until October 24; Riyadh services suspended until October 25. |
| Finnair | Dubai flights suspended until October 24; Doha winter services also cancelled. |
| ITA Airways | Dubai flights suspended until October 24. |
| KLM | Services to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam suspended until August 23. |
| Lufthansa Group | Lufthansa and Swiss flights to Dubai suspended until September 13; several Middle East routes remain suspended until October 24. |
| Philippine Airlines | Manila–Doha services resumed, while Dubai flights remain suspended until October 2. |
| Scoot | Singapore–Jeddah services suspended until August 8. |
| Singapore Airlines | Dubai flights suspended until October 24; Riyadh launch postponed until December 1. |
| Turkish Airlines | Flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Damascus, Beirut and Amman have resumed, while Iran services remain suspended. |
| Wizz Air | Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman services suspended, with operations expected to restart in September. |
Passengers booked on affected airlines should contact their carrier directly for information on refunds, rebooking options or travel waivers.
Why flights are facing delays and cancellations
Ongoing airspace restrictions and regional security concerns have forced some international airlines to adjust routes and operate longer journeys.
Travellers may experience:
- Flight delays
- Longer travel times due to rerouting
- Cancellations or schedule changes
Travellers may face the following disruptions:
- Longer flight durations: Some routes may require detours, adding an extra one to three hours to journey times.
- Flight cancellations: Airlines may revise schedules based on evolving safety assessments and operational conditions.
- Extended connection times: Increased demand at alternative airports could lead to longer layovers.
- Potential baggage delays: Changes in flight routes may affect baggage handling and transfers.
What passengers should do today
If you are flying from the UAE, travellers are advised to:
- Check their flight status before heading to the airport
- Monitor airline websites and mobile apps for real-time updates
- Ensure their contact details are updated with the airline
- Allow extra time for travel in case of delays or operational changes
- Follow official travel guidance issued by their home country when travelling internationally
