Flights at UAE airports are operating as usual despite ongoing suspensions on select regional routes.
Dubai: Following months of conflict, disruptions to Gulf shipping routes and repeated threats to regional energy infrastructure, the Middle East has entered a fragile period of diplomatic calm.
Although no major US airstrikes on Iran have been reported in recent days, tensions across the region remain elevated, with security officials warning that the situation could shift rapidly.
For UAE travellers, however, airport operations remain largely unaffected this Tuesday morning.
Dubai International, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and other airports across the UAE continue to function normally, with no widespread disruptions reported. Airlines remain vigilant, monitoring regional airspace conditions and adjusting flight routes when required.
Demand on some regional routes remains subdued as travellers continue to exercise caution following weeks of uncertainty, while several airlines have yet to fully resume their regular flight schedules.
Passengers travelling to Gulf destinations are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, particularly those flying to Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia or Qatar.
Latest updates
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways continues to cancel selected flights due to operational considerations.
Services between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain remain suspended, while flights EY653 and EY654 operating between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait have also been cancelled. The airline has not yet announced a timeline for the resumption of normal services on these routes.
Passengers are advised to keep their contact information updated to ensure they receive the latest flight notifications and updates via SMS or email.
flydubai
flydubai has cancelled the following services:
- FZ815 to Abha
- FZ811 to Abha
Air Arabia
The following flights from Sharjah remain cancelled:
- G9068 to Kuwait
- G9124 to Kuwait
- G9195 to Abha
- G9160 to Dammam
- G9107 to Bahrain
- G9040 to Doha
- G9138 to Doha
- G9027 to Doha
Other airline updates
Saudia
Saudia said all flight cancellations and schedule adjustments have been updated in its booking system through the end of October 2026, giving passengers greater clarity when making travel plans.
The airline continues to advise travellers to check their flight status before going to the airport and to avoid travelling unless their flight has been confirmed.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait through and including July 31, 2026.
flyadeal
flyadeal has cancelled flight F3506 from Dubai to Riyadh.
Travel advisories remain in place
While UAE airports continue to operate normally, international aviation bodies and government authorities are maintaining travel advisories, warning passengers that the regional security situation remains unpredictable and could change quickly.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its safety advisory for airlines operating over the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and parts of the Gulf of Oman until August 31, citing ongoing security concerns linked to regional military activity.
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to advise British travellers in the Middle East to prepare for possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and travel disruptions. Passengers are encouraged to monitor airline updates, follow guidance from local authorities and regularly review their travel arrangements.
The US Department of State has also maintained its global advisory urging American citizens to exercise increased caution, noting that the security situation across the Middle East remains complex despite the recent diplomatic developments between Washington and Tehran. Similar travel advisories remain active from Canada and Australia.
For now, travellers departing from the UAE can expect airports to continue operating normally, with disruptions mainly affecting selected regional routes rather than widespread flight cancellations.
Airline travel updates
| Airline | Latest update |
|---|---|
| Aegean Airlines | Dubai services cancelled until August 31. |
| Air Astana | Flights to Dubai from Almaty and Astana suspended until August 31, with refund and rebooking options available. |
| Air Canada | Toronto-Dubai flights suspended until October 24. |
| Air France | Dubai services expected to resume on July 27; Riyadh flights suspended until July 24 and Beirut services until August 2. |
| airBaltic | Riga-Dubai flights remain suspended. |
| British Airways | Services to Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv suspended until October 31. Doha and Riyadh schedules reduced, while the Jeddah route has been permanently withdrawn. |
| Cathay Pacific | Dubai flights suspended until October 24, with Riyadh services suspended until October 25. |
| Finnair | Dubai flights suspended until October 24, with Doha winter services also cancelled. |
| ITA Airways | Dubai flights suspended until October 24. |
| KLM | Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam services suspended until August 23. |
| Lufthansa Group | Lufthansa and Swiss flights to Dubai suspended until September 13, with several Middle East routes affected until October 24. |
| Philippine Airlines | Manila-Doha services resumed, while Dubai flights remain suspended until October 2. |
| Scoot | Singapore-Jeddah flights suspended until August 8. |
| Singapore Airlines | Dubai flights suspended until October 24, with the Riyadh route launch delayed 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 resume during September. |
Passengers booked on affected services are advised to contact their airline directly for the latest information on refund options, rebooking arrangements or travel waivers.
Why flights are taking longer or being cancelled
Ongoing airspace restrictions and security concerns in parts of the region have led some airlines to reroute flights or adjust their schedules.
Travellers may experience:
- Longer flight durations: Some services may take an additional 1–3 hours as aircraft follow alternative routes to avoid restricted areas.
- Flight cancellations: Airlines may revise schedules based on operational requirements and safety assessments.
- Extended connection times: Higher passenger volumes at alternative airports can lead to longer layovers.
- Potential baggage delays: Changes to flight routes and connections may affect baggage transfer times.
What passengers should do today
Passengers travelling from the UAE are advised to:
- Check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Monitor airline websites and mobile apps for the latest updates.
- Ensure their contact details are updated with the airline to receive notifications.
- Allow extra time for travel in case of last-minute operational changes.
- Follow official travel guidance issued by their government when travelling internationally.
