Flight updates, cancellations and travel advice for UAE passengers amid regional tensions.
Dubai: Passengers travelling to or from the UAE on Friday, July 31, are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as Etihad Airways and Air Arabia have cancelled several flights to Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia due to operational reasons.
Emirates and flydubai have not reported any significant changes to their schedules and continue to operate flights as planned.
The latest disruptions come as regional tensions in the Middle East remain elevated. While UAE aviation operations are largely continuing as normal, airlines are closely monitoring the security situation and making adjustments where required.
Despite the ongoing developments, UAE carriers continue to operate close to normal levels, although some routes remain affected by temporary operational changes.
Several countries have issued travel advisories amid ongoing regional tensions, warning travellers about possible flight disruptions, airspace changes and evolving security conditions. Passengers are advised to stay updated on developments and confirm the latest information directly with their airlines before travelling.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has cancelled the following services due to operational reasons:
- Flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Bahrain (BAH)
- EY653: Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
- EY654: Kuwait to Abu Dhabi
The airline apologised for the inconvenience and said its teams are supporting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has also cancelled several flights scheduled for today:
- G9068: Sharjah – Kuwait
- G9124: Sharjah – Kuwait
- G9107: Sharjah – Bahrain
- G9195: Sharjah – Abha
- 3L020: Abu Dhabi – Kuwait
Passengers affected by these cancellations are advised to check the airline’s official website or contact customer service before travelling to the airport.
Emirates and flydubai
As of Friday morning, Emirates and flydubai have not announced any major cancellations or operational changes. Both airlines continue to operate flights according to their published schedules.
Saudia
Saudia said all cancellations and schedule adjustments have been reflected in its reservation system through the end of October 2026, allowing passengers to access 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 number of international airlines are continuing to suspend or reduce services across the Gulf as security concerns in the region remain ongoing.
Recent measures include:
- 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 extended suspensions of Dubai services until October 24.
- Lufthansa and Swiss will not resume Dubai flights until September 13, while 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 services during September.
Why some flights are taking longer to resume
While many flights to and from the UAE continue operating, airlines are avoiding certain regional airspace areas due to ongoing security concerns. These restrictions have led carriers to adjust schedules, suspend selected routes and take longer to restore some services.
Passengers may experience the following disruptions:
- Longer flight durations of one to three hours due to alternative routing.
- Last-minute cancellations or changes to scheduled departure times.
- Extended connection times at transit airports.
- Delays in baggage arrival or delivery.
Global travel advisories remain in place
Several governments continue to issue travel warnings amid the possibility of further disruptions across the region.
The US Department of State has advised travellers to be prepared for potential flight cancellations, airspace closures and other changes that could affect travel plans.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has said the security situation remains unpredictable and advised travellers to continue monitoring official updates.
Canada is maintaining its advice against non-essential travel to the UAE, warning that renewed missile or drone activity could potentially disrupt flight operations.
Australia has advised citizens in the region to consider departing while commercial flight options remain available, provided it is safe to do so.
Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its conflict-zone advisory for Gulf airspace until August 31. The agency has urged airlines to exercise heightened caution due to the potential risks associated with missile and drone activity.
What travellers should do
Passengers flying from the UAE today should take the following precautions:
- Check their flight status before setting off for the airport.
- Monitor their airline’s website or mobile app for the latest updates.
- Make sure their airline has their current contact information.
- Allow additional time for travel in case of delays or schedule changes.
- Follow official travel guidance issued by their home country’s authorities when travelling internationally.
