UAE flight update: Cancellations, travel changes and advice for passengers amid regional tensions.
Dubai: Travellers flying to or from the UAE on Thursday, July 30, are being advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as renewed military action between the United States and Iran continues to affect air travel across the region.
The latest escalation followed US retaliatory strikes on Iranian targets after Tehran launched an attack on a base hosting American forces in Jordan.
Explosions were reported in several areas of Iran, including Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and Khuzestan province, while oil prices climbed by around 7 per cent amid concerns over potential disruptions to energy supplies.
Travel agents told that rising fuel costs are already influencing travel demand, with some passengers postponing bookings in the hope that airfares may decrease.
Despite the renewed tensions, UAE airlines continue to operate close to normal levels, though some routes remain affected by operational adjustments and ongoing changes to flight schedules.
Several countries have issued travel advisories warning of potential flight disruptions, airspace restrictions and changing security conditions amid the ongoing regional tensions. Travellers are advised to stay updated on developments and confirm the latest information directly with their airlines before travelling.
UAE airline updates
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain due to operational reasons. The airline has not provided a timeline for when services will resume.
Flights EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait have also been cancelled.
Separately, Etihad flight EY047 from Abu Dhabi to Dublin returned shortly after take-off on July 29 due to a technical issue. The airline said passengers would continue their journey later that evening on an alternative aircraft.
flydubai
The airline has cancelled the following flights:
- FZ815 — Dubai to Abha
- FZ811 — Dubai to Abha
Air Arabia
Cancelled services include:
- G9124 — Sharjah to Kuwait
- G9068 — Sharjah to Kuwait
- G9107 — Sharjah to Bahrain
- G9195 — Sharjah to Abha
Gulf Air
Cancelled services include:
- GF505 — Dubai to Bahrain
- GF509 — Dubai to Bahrain
- GF504 — Bahrain to Dubai
- GF508 — Bahrain to Dubai
Saudi
Saudia said all cancellations and schedule changes have been updated in its reservation system through the end of October 2026, allowing passengers to check the latest flight information.
Qatar Airways
Passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait remain suspended until and including July 31.
International airlines continue suspensions
A growing number of international airlines continue to suspend or reduce services across the Gulf as security concerns remain amid the ongoing regional tensions.
Passengers are advised to check the latest updates directly with their airlines before travelling, as schedules and operating conditions may change at short notice.
Latest international airline measures
Several international carriers have extended flight suspensions or reduced services to and from the UAE amid continued regional security concerns.
- British Airways has suspended flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv until October 31.
- Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and ITA Airways have suspended Dubai services until October 24.
- Lufthansa and Swiss will not resume Dubai flights until September 13, while some other Middle East routes remain suspended until late October.
- Aegean Airlines and Air Astana have extended Dubai flight suspensions until August 31.
- KLM has suspended Dubai services until August 23.
- Philippine Airlines continues to suspend Dubai flights until October 2, although Manila–Doha services have resumed.
- Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi but continues to suspend services to Iran.
- Wizz Air expects to restart Dubai and Abu Dhabi operations during September.
Why some flights are taking longer
While many UAE flights continue to operate, airlines are avoiding certain parts of regional airspace due to security concerns.
Passengers should be prepared for:
- Longer flight times, with some routes extended by one to three hours due to alternative routings.
- Last-minute cancellations or schedule changes.
- Longer connection times at transit airports.
- Possible delays in baggage delivery.
Travellers are advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and stay in contact with their airline for the latest updates.
Global travel advisories remain in place
Several governments continue to issue travel warnings over potential disruptions across the region as security concerns persist.
The US Department of State has advised travellers to prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the security situation remains unpredictable and urged travellers to monitor official updates.
Canada continues to advise against non-essential travel to the UAE, warning that renewed missile or drone activity could affect flight operations.
Australia has advised citizens in the region to consider leaving while commercial flights remain available, provided it is safe to do so.
Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its conflict-zone advisory covering Gulf airspace until August 31. The agency has urged airlines to exercise extreme caution due to the ongoing risk from missile and drone activity.
What travellers should do
If you are flying from the UAE today:
- Check your flight status directly with your airline before leaving for the airport.
- Allow extra time for possible delays, longer security checks or schedule changes.
- Monitor official airline notifications and airport updates.
- Be prepared for possible rerouting, longer journey times or last-minute changes.
- Avoid relying on unverified reports about cancellations, airspace closures or security incidents.
- Follow guidance issued by UAE authorities and your airline.
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Monitor your airline’s website or mobile app for the latest updates.
- Make sure your airline has your current contact details for any notifications.
- Allow extra time for your journey in case of delays or operational changes.
- Follow official travel advice issued by your country’s authorities when travelling overseas.
