UAE-India travellers warned of tighter airport security.
Dubai: UAE travellers flying today are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as Emirates, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia continue to report changes to selected regional services, while other flights remain on schedule.
The latest disruptions are mainly affecting routes between the UAE and Bahrain, Kuwait and other regional destinations. Passengers are also advised to allow extra time at the airport amid the busy summer travel period.
War status
The Strait of Hormuz crisis is escalating after ADNOC confirmed that two of its vessels came under attack while transiting the waterway on Thursday evening. No injuries were reported, and the situation was brought under control. The incident comes as the IEA warns that reopening the Strait is becoming increasingly urgent as global oil stockpiles continue to decline.
The UAE has also reported attacks on two tankers, while concerns over pollution are mounting after oil washed ashore near Qeshm Island and a major spill was reported off Oman.
Meanwhile, the US is stepping up economic and military pressure on Iran, while Tehran has rejected claims that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is operating normally.
UAE flight updates
Etihad
Etihad Airways said flights EY643 and EY644 between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport will operate as scheduled.
However, flights EY641–EY642, EY645–EY646 and EY647–EY648 have been cancelled through August 21.
The airline said its teams are assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements, including rebooking them on other available services.
Emirates
Emirates’ latest update indicates that the status of some Dubai services was unavailable at the time of checking. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.
- Dubai (DXB) to Kuwait (KWI): status unavailable
- Dubai (DXB) to Bahrain (BAH): status unavailable
Emirates said flight status information for affected routes will be available 24 hours before departure.
The airline has also said passengers travelling to Dubai can change their travel dates without a fee and an unlimited number of times under measures introduced on August 10. However, fare and tax differences may still apply.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has also reported cancellations affecting several UAE-regional services.
The latest cancellations include:
- G9107 – Sharjah to Bahrain
- G9068 – Sharjah to Kuwait
- G9124 – Sharjah to Kuwait
- G9132 – Sharjah to Doha
- 3L020 – Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
Passengers are advised to check their individual flight status before heading to the airport.
flydubai
flydubai’s latest update states that flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled.
The airline is advising passengers to check their flight status before travelling, complete online check-in where available and allow extra time to reach Dubai International Airport during the busy summer travel period.
Passengers departing from Dubai on flydubai are advised to arrive at least four hours before their scheduled departure.
International airlines adjust Gulf services
Several international airlines continue to suspend, reduce or modify selected services to the UAE and other destinations across the region.
- British Airways has suspended flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman until October 25, while reducing frequencies to Doha and Riyadh.
- Philippine Airlines has extended the suspension of its Dubai services until October 2.
- Air France has suspended flights to Riyadh until August 14, and services to Dubai and Beirut until August 18.
- Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, although services to Iran remain suspended.
- Air Canada has extended the suspension of its Dubai and Tel Aviv services, with Dubai flights not expected to resume until mid-January 2027.
- Singapore Airlines has postponed the resumption of its Dubai services until October 24.
Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has extended its conflict-zone advisory covering Gulf airspace until August 31, citing ongoing risks associated with missile and drone activity.
UAE-India travel: What passengers need to know
Flights between the UAE and India remain a key focus for travellers during the busy summer travel period. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, as regional disruptions and schedule changes continue to affect some services.Passengers travelling to India should allow extra time at airports ahead of the country’s Independence Day on August 15, as tighter security measures are expected to increase processing times.
Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have advised passengers to arrive early, warning that additional security checks could lead to longer queues.
Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet have also urged passengers travelling during the Independence Day period to allow extra time for security screening, check-in and other airport formalities.
India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, with enhanced security measures in place at airports and major transport hubs.
India has relaunched its Air Suvidha portal as Air Suvidha 2.0, requiring international passengers to complete a mandatory online health declaration before arriving in the country.
Regional travel remains affected
Beyond individual flight cancellations and schedule changes, the wider security situation continues to disrupt air travel across the Gulf.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s conflict-zone advisory for Gulf airspace remains in effect until August 31, citing risks linked to missile and drone activity.
Meanwhile, developments in the region continue to affect shipping and energy markets, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major point of concern.
What UAE travellers should do today
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Follow the latest updates on your airline’s website or app.
- Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if advised by your airline.
- Allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security screening and immigration.
- Keep your passport, Emirates ID and boarding pass easily accessible.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Ensure your contact details are up to date so your airline can reach you if there are changes.
- Be prepared for last-minute schedule changes, delays or cancellations.
