Bahrain, Kuwait and some regional routes remain affected, while most flights continue to operate normally.
Dubai: Travelling from the UAE this month is expected to remain mostly smooth, although passengers should stay prepared for disruptions on certain Gulf routes as airlines continue to adjust operations amid the evolving security situation in the Middle East.
While most flights are running as scheduled, services to destinations such as Bahrain, Kuwait and Doha are still experiencing cancellations, delays, and temporary suspensions.
Airlines have advised travellers to reach airports early and verify the latest flight updates before setting out on their journey.
US-Iran tensions and regional situation
The security landscape in the Middle East remains uncertain, with diplomatic efforts continuing alongside ongoing military tensions.
Oil prices remained close to $80 a barrel on Thursday as markets balanced hopes for a possible diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran against concerns over continued uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said a joint statement with Oman regarding commercial shipping through the strategic waterway was nearing completion.
However, security concerns continue to persist. US Central Command said its forces have redirected dozens of commercial vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, while attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Aden and renewed military activity in other parts of the region continue to keep airlines and governments on heightened alert.
What UAE and regional airlines are doing
Several UAE-based carriers continue to revise schedules on select Gulf routes as regional disruptions affect flight operations.
Emirates
Cancelled / unavailable routes:
- EK853: Dubai–Kuwait
- EK855: Dubai–Kuwait
- EK857: Dubai–Kuwait
- EK859: Dubai–Kuwait
- Dubai–Bahrain services remain unavailable
Etihad Airways
Cancelled flights:
- Abu Dhabi (AUH)–Bahrain (BAH)
- EY653: Abu Dhabi–Kuwait
- EY654: Kuwait–Abu Dhabi
Kuwait services remain suspended indefinitely, with no resumption date announced.
Air Arabia
Cancelled flights:
- G9068: Sharjah–Kuwait
- G9124: Sharjah–Kuwait
- G9107: Sharjah–Bahrain
- G9081: Sharjah–Doha
- G9138: Sharjah–Doha
- 3L020: Abu Dhabi–Kuwait
flydubai
Delayed flight:
- FZ023: Dubai–Bahrain
Other airlines operating from Dubai
Cancelled flights:
- KQ311: Kenya Airways – Dubai to Nairobi
- F3506: flyadeal – Dubai to Riyadh
- SV597: Saudia – Dubai to Riyadh
Regional airline suspensions
Qatar Airways has suspended passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait until and including August 7.
International travel advisories
International authorities continue to advise caution as the security situation across the region remains fluid. The US has issued a global security advisory, warning travellers of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and disruptions to travel in parts of the Middle East.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin until August 31, while the UK’s Foreign Office continues to advise travellers to check official updates before making travel plans.
Airlines are also continuing to follow operational guidance related to regional airspace restrictions and safety measures.
What international airlines are doing
Several international airlines have extended suspensions or adjusted services to destinations across the Gulf as they continue to review the evolving security situation and regional airspace restrictions.
Here are the latest updates:
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 flights will resume only after further safety assessments and is offering affected passengers options for 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 certain Middle East destinations can change their travel dates or request refunds under the airline’s flexible booking policy. The waiver applies to eligible bookings made for travel through October 31.
Singapore Airlines
Flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until further notice due to the ongoing regional security situation.
Air Canada
Dubai services remain suspended as the airline continues to monitor developments across the region.
Cathay Pacific
Flights between Hong Kong and Dubai remain suspended until further notice.
Finnair
The airline continues to suspend Dubai services while it reviews 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 developments and adjust operations where necessary, with affected passengers being contacted directly regarding any flight changes.
What is causing the delays?
The ongoing disruptions are the result of several factors, including operational changes, temporary airspace restrictions, and the evolving security situation in parts of the Middle East.
Airlines are continuing to review flight routes and schedules as conditions develop, while some carriers have temporarily suspended services to affected destinations as a precautionary measure.
What travellers should keep in mind
Passengers departing from UAE airports are advised to:
- Arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time.
- Check their flight status before heading to the airport.
- Plan extra time for possible delays related to traffic, check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures.
- Complete online check-in and use airline mobile applications whenever available.
- Ensure their contact information is updated so airlines can provide timely alerts about delays, cancellations, or rebooking options.
