Summer travel surge and regional tensions prompt airlines to advise passengers to arrive early.
The UAE’s summer travel rush is continuing, with thousands of passengers heading overseas as airlines maintain operations amid ongoing regional uncertainty. While most flights are operating as scheduled, some Gulf routes continue to face changes due to operational adjustments and temporary airspace restrictions.
Passengers travelling through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports are advised to check their flight status before setting out and allow extra time for check-in, security and immigration as passenger volumes remain high.
UAE airports urge passengers to plan ahead
As airports enter one of the busiest travel periods of the year, airlines and airport authorities are urging passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
Travellers should:
- Arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure
- Check their flight status before leaving for the airport
- Allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration
- Complete online check-in and use airline apps where available
- Keep their contact details updated to receive real-time flight notifications
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has also urged passengers to allow extra time for their journeys as summer travel demand remains high.
Regional tensions remain in focus
Security developments across the Gulf continue to affect the regional aviation environment.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed a mutual defence pact, under which an attack on one country would be considered an attack on all three.
Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are discussing arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media has reported that the two sides have reached an agreement, subject to final approval.
Saudi Arabia has blamed the Houthis for an attack in Najran that injured at least 11 civilians, while Yemeni forces have reported shooting down several drones.
UAE flight updates
UAE airlines continue to operate most scheduled services, although passengers are advised to check the latest flight information before travelling, as regional developments and operational adjustments could affect selected routes.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is continuing to monitor regional developments, with selected flights to Kuwait and Bahrain listed on its booking system.
According to flight status information on Etihad’s website, scheduled services include:
- Abu Dhabi–Kuwait: EY653
- Kuwait–Abu Dhabi: EY654
- Abu Dhabi–Bahrain: EY643
- Bahrain–Abu Dhabi: EY644
Emirates
Emirates continues to operate its wider network, although some Gulf routes remain subject to changes.
Current flight status information shows:
- Dubai–Bahrain: Status information unavailable
- Dubai–Kuwait: Status information unavailable
Passengers are advised to check the latest information through Emirates’ official flight tracker before travelling.
flydubai
flydubai continues to operate its network, with no major schedule changes currently announced.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status, complete online check-in where available and allow extra time for their journey due to peak summer traffic.
Air Arabia
Selected Air Arabia services from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi continue to face cancellations and delays.
Affected routes include:
- Abu Dhabi–Kuwait
- Abu Dhabi–Bahrain
- Sharjah–Kuwait
- Sharjah–Bahrain
- Sharjah–Abha
Abu Dhabi–Kuwait
- 3L020 — Cancelled
- 3L022 — Not departed
Kuwait–Abu Dhabi
- 3L021 — Cancelled
- 3L023 — Not departed
Abu Dhabi–Bahrain
- 3L015 — Not departed
- 3L017 — Not departed
Bahrain–Abu Dhabi
Bahrain–Abu Dhabi
- 3L016 — Not departed
- 3L018 — Not departed
Sharjah–Kuwait
- G9068 — Cancelled
- G9124 — Cancelled
- G9121 — Not departed
Kuwait–Sharjah
- G9069 — Cancelled
- G9125 — Cancelled
- G9122 — Not departed
Sharjah–Bahrain
- G9107 — Cancelled
- G9101, G9103, G9105 — Not departed
Bahrain–Sharjah
Bahrain–Sharjah
- G9108 — Cancelled
- G9102, G9104, G9106 — Not departed
Sharjah–Abha
- G9195 — Not departed
Passengers are advised to check the airline’s latest updates before travelling.
Regional aviation shows signs of recovery
Regional airlines are gradually restoring services as carriers continue to monitor security developments and operational conditions.
- Qatar Airways: Resuming flights to Bahrain, Kuwait and Erbil from August 8 as regional aviation begins to recover.
- Jazeera Airways: Has restarted flights to and from Kuwait, with passengers advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure.
- Oman Air: Technical issues and temporary airspace restrictions continue to affect parts of its network, with delays and cancellations possible.
International airlines continue Dubai suspensions
Several international carriers continue to suspend or reduce services to and from Dubai as regional disruptions persist.
- British Airways: Flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv suspended until October 31.
- Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and ITA Airways: Dubai services suspended until October 24.
- Lufthansa and Swiss: Dubai services suspended until September 13.
- Aegean Airlines and Air Astana: Dubai services suspended until August 31.
- KLM: Dubai services suspended until August 23.
- Philippine Airlines: Dubai flights suspended until October 2.
- Turkish Airlines: Services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi have resumed, while flights to Iran remain suspended.
Air Canada delays Dubai return
Air Canada has extended the suspension of its Dubai and Tel Aviv services, delaying the resumption of Dubai flights until mid-January 2027.
Passengers affected by the changes can rebook for a later date, change their destination or cancel their booking for travel credit, subject to the airline’s flexible booking policy.
What UAE travellers should do today
If you are flying from the UAE:
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Monitor airline websites and apps for the latest updates
- Keep your contact details up to date to receive notifications
- Allow extra time for your journey, particularly during peak travel periods
- Check and follow official travel advisories before departure
