Regional airspace restrictions continue as airlines suspend or modify UAE and Gulf routes.
Dubai: Flying from the UAE today, August 17? Most UAE flights continue to operate, but travellers should be prepared for possible delays, cancellations and last-minute schedule changes as airlines adjust services amid the ongoing regional security situation.
Emirates has partially resumed flights to Bahrain but continues to suspend services to Kuwait, while Etihad has cancelled several Bahrain flights through August 21.
Air Arabia is reporting multiple cancellations and schedule changes involving Kuwait and Bahrain. Meanwhile, flydubai says its flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled.
Several international airlines have also extended the suspension of UAE and regional services, underscoring continued uncertainty surrounding airspace and flight operations. Travellers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
US-Iran War: Strait of Hormuz Disruption Continues
The Middle East conflict enters another tense phase as diplomatic efforts to ease the US-Iran standoff remain stalled. Meanwhile, continued disruption around the Strait of Hormuz is affecting global energy markets and adding pressure to international shipping.
Iran’s foreign minister said there had been no decision to resume negotiations with Washington, as uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran standoff persists. Meanwhile, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply, with shipping data showing only five commodity vessels crossed the waterway on Saturday and none on Sunday.
The disruption is being felt across global markets. Oil prices climbed on Monday, with Brent crude briefly touching $89.40 a barrel as traders weighed the possibility of prolonged disruption to energy supplies.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing on other fronts, with US envoys meeting Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators in Cairo to discuss a Gaza peace proposal. Hamas representatives also participated in the talks, while Israel has raised objections to parts of the plan.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have intensified the confrontation with Hezbollah. Washington also continues to maintain a significant military presence across the region.
What UAE and Regional Airlines Are Doing
Emirates
Emirates has partially resumed its Bahrain services, with one daily flight currently scheduled, although some Bahrain services remain cancelled.
- EK835 Dubai–Bahrain: Cancelled
- EK837 Dubai–Bahrain: Cancelled
- EK839 Dubai–Bahrain: Scheduled to depart at 4pm
The status of some Dubai–Kuwait flights was not available at the latest check. Emirates said passengers can check their flight status up to 24 hours before departure.
The airline has also introduced measures allowing eligible passengers to change their travel dates without a change fee. However, any difference in fares or taxes may still apply.
Passengers should check the latest Emirates flight information before travelling to the airport.
Etihad Airways
Etihad flight EY479 from Bali to Abu Dhabi on August 17 has been delayed due to a technical issue.
Flights EY643 and EY644 between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain are operating as scheduled.
However, Etihad has cancelled flights EY641–EY642, EY645–EY646 and EY647–EY648 through August 21. The airline said its teams are assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements.
Flights between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait are currently scheduled to operate:
- EY653: Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
- EY654: Kuwait to Abu Dhabi
flydubai
flydubai said its flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled.
Passengers should nevertheless check their individual 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.
flydubai recommends that passengers departing from Dubai arrive at least four hours before their scheduled departure.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has reported several cancellations and schedule changes affecting services between the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain.
The latest updates include:
- 3L020 Abu Dhabi–Kuwait: Cancelled
- 3L022 Abu Dhabi–Kuwait: Not yet departed
- G9068 and G9124 Sharjah–Kuwait: Cancelled
- 3L015 Abu Dhabi–Bahrain: Flight time updated
- 3L017 Abu Dhabi–Bahrain: Not yet departed
- 3L016 and 3L018 Bahrain–Abu Dhabi: Not yet departed
- G9107 Sharjah–Bahrain: Cancelled
- G9101, G9103 and G9105 Sharjah–Bahrain: Not yet departed
- G9108 Bahrain–Sharjah: Cancelled
- G9102, G9104 and G9106 Bahrain–Sharjah: Not yet departed
Dubai Airport Departures
Several other flights were also showing disruptions at Dubai International Airport, with passengers advised to check their individual flight status before travelling to the airport.
- PA211 Airblue Dubai–Islamabad: Delayed
- FZ909 flydubai Dubai–Jeddah: Delayed
- F3512 flyadeal Dubai–Riyadh: Cancelled
