Several Gulf flight routes remain suspended as airlines monitor security situation and airspace.
Dubai: Air travel across the UAE remains largely operational despite continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, passengers are advised to remain prepared for possible cancellations, delays and last-minute schedule changes on certain regional routes.
US-Iran tensions: What is the latest?
Security concerns in the Gulf remained elevated overnight after the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a cargo vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile about 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Khasab, Oman, near the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz.
Authorities are investigating the incident, which UKMTO classified as an attack, and vessels operating in the area have been advised to exercise caution.
The development comes as diplomatic efforts continue over the US-Iran standoff, with US President Donald Trump saying progress has been made in talks, while Tehran has denied that direct negotiations with Washington are taking place.
What UAE and regional airlines are doing
Emirates
Cancelled flights:
- EK823 – Dubai to Dammam
- EK835 – Dubai to Bahrain
- EK837 – Dubai to Bahrain
- EK839 – Dubai to Bahrain
- EK853 – Dubai to Kuwait
- EK855 – Dubai to Kuwait
- EK857 – Dubai to Kuwait
- EK859 – Dubai to Kuwait
Passengers are advised to check the latest flight updates through Emirates’ official channels before heading to the airport.
Etihad Airways
Cancelled flights:
- EY653 – Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
- EY654 – Kuwait to Abu Dhabi
Flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain remain suspended due to operational reasons, while services between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait have been suspended indefinitely. The airline has not provided a timeline for when these routes will resume.
flydubai
flydubai has cancelled its Dubai-Bahrain service FZ027.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia continues to suspend several services from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, including flights to Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Abha and Kuwait.
Cancelled flights:
- G9068 – Sharjah to Kuwait
- G9124 – Sharjah to Kuwait
- G9107 – Sharjah to Bahrain
- G9195 – Sharjah to Abha
- G9081 – Sharjah to Doha
- G9138 – Sharjah to Doha
- 3L020 – Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with the respective airlines before travelling, as schedules may change depending on regional airspace conditions and operational updates.
Regional airlines
Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait until and including August 7.
Oman Air said technical issues and temporary airspace restrictions continue to affect its operations, leading to delays and cancellations across parts of its network. The airline is contacting affected passengers directly and may arrange rebooking on alternative carriers where possible.
Jazeera Airways has advised passengers to arrive at the airport no more than three hours before their revised departure times.
International travel advisories
International authorities continue to advise caution as the regional security situation remains fluid.
The US Department of State has issued a worldwide security advisory, urging American citizens to exercise increased caution due to heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The advisory warned that travellers in the region should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions. Those planning to travel to or through the Middle East have been advised to closely monitor updates from airlines and airports.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) until August 31, advising EU airlines to avoid operating in the airspace of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, as well as parts of the Gulf of Oman.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise travellers to check official updates before making journeys to the Middle East.
Airlines are also continuing to follow operational guidance based on regional airspace restrictions and changing security assessments, with schedules subject to further adjustments if conditions evolve.
What international airlines are doing
Several international carriers continue to adjust their schedules across the Middle East amid ongoing regional developments. Here are the latest updates:
International airline updates
Several international carriers continue to adjust their Middle East schedules amid the evolving regional security situation. The latest updates include:
Air France: Flights to and from Dubai and Beirut remain suspended until August 18, while services to and from Riyadh are suspended until August 14. The airline said operations will resume only after further security assessments and is offering affected passengers free rebooking or refunds.
Lufthansa Group: Flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Riyadh, Doha and Dammam remain suspended until October 24. Services to Amman, Erbil and Tel Aviv are also affected.
British Airways: Passengers travelling to several Middle East destinations can change their travel dates or request refunds under the airline’s flexible booking policy. The waiver currently applies to eligible bookings through October 31.
Singapore Airlines: Flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until further notice due to the evolving regional security situation.
Air Canada: Services to Dubai remain suspended as the airline continues to monitor developments in the region.
Cathay Pacific: Flights between Hong Kong and Dubai remain suspended until further notice.
Finnair: The airline continues to suspend Dubai services while reviewing regional security conditions.
ITA Airways: Flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until further notice.
Turkish Airlines: Flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi have resumed, while services to Iran remain suspended.
KLM: The airline continues to monitor the regional security situation and adjust operations when required, contacting affected passengers directly if their flights are impacted.
What is causing the disruptions?
While commercial aviation across the Gulf remains operational, airlines continue to navigate a challenging operating environment.
Security concerns, changing airspace restrictions, longer flight routes, operational limitations and continued geopolitical uncertainty have led many carriers to adopt a cautious approach to scheduling.
Several airlines have said that the resumption of suspended services will depend on ongoing security assessments and guidance from relevant authorities.
What travellers should keep in mind
UAE airports are advising passengers to take the following precautions:
- Arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure.
- Check the latest flight status before leaving home.
- Allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security checks and immigration procedures.
- Use online check-in and airline mobile apps where available.
- Ensure contact details are updated to receive real-time flight notifications.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has also reminded passengers to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journeys as summer travel demand remains high.
