Gulf airlines continue selected services amid heightened regional tensions.
Dubai: Airlines including Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and flydubai are continuing to operate selected regional services, but cancellations and delays remain on some routes as heightened regional tensions continue to disrupt Gulf aviation.
Emirates has cancelled two Dubai-Bahrain flights, while Air Arabia has cancelled services to Kuwait and Bahrain. Several delays have also been reported at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Etihad has extended cancellations on several Abu Dhabi-Bahrain services until August 21.
For UAE travellers, the situation remains fluid as airlines continue to review schedules in response to changing regional security conditions. Passengers should check their individual flight status before leaving for the airport and allow extra time for their journey.
War status
The latest escalation comes after the UAE said its air defence systems detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran on Tuesday. The Ministry of Defence said its assessment found that the missiles were targeting maritime navigation and that both fell into the sea.
The UAE said one missile fell outside its territorial waters, while the other landed within them. Iran has denied launching the missiles.
Both missiles fell into the sea, with one landing outside UAE territorial waters and the other inside the country’s territorial waters. No impact on land was reported. The UAE has also suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice.
Diplomatic efforts have also suffered a setback, with US President Donald Trump saying there are no talks or negotiations currently under way or scheduled with Iran.
Tehran, meanwhile, has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until its conditions are met, while Washington maintains that the waterway is open. The conflicting positions have added to uncertainty over shipping and global energy supplies.
Brent crude settled above $91 a barrel on Tuesday, reflecting growing concerns over the potential duration of disruptions through the strategic waterway.
For airlines, the continuing uncertainty means flight schedules and routes can change at short notice, with carriers already adjusting selected services across the region.
UAE airlines
Etihad
Etihad Airways is operating selected Abu Dhabi-Bahrain and Abu Dhabi-Kuwait services amid the ongoing regional disruption.
- EY643/EY644: Abu Dhabi-Bahrain — scheduled
- EY641/EY642, EY645/EY646 and EY647/EY648: Cancelled until August 21
- EY653/EY654: Abu Dhabi-Kuwait/Kuwait-Abu Dhabi — scheduled
Etihad said it is assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements, including reaccommodation on other services. Passengers on affected flights are advised to keep their contact details updated so they can receive the latest notifications.
Emirates
- EK835: Cancelled
- EK837: Cancelled
- EK839: Scheduled
The status of some Dubai-Kuwait flights was not available at the latest check, with Emirates saying flight information would be available 24 hours before departure.
The airline has also said Dubai-bound passengers can change their travel dates without a fee an unlimited number of times under measures introduced on August 10. Fare and tax differences may still apply.
Passengers should check the latest Emirates flight status before travelling to the airport, as schedules remain subject to change amid ongoing regional disruptions.
flydubai
flydubai said its flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled, although passengers are advised to check their flight status before travelling.
The airline is also advising passengers to complete online check-in where available and allow extra time to reach Dubai International Airport.
Passengers departing Dubai on flydubai should arrive at least four hours before departure, given the possibility of delays and changing operational conditions.
flydubai
Current delays reported from Dubai International Airport (DXB) include:
- FZ157: Dubai–Beirut — delayed
- FZ539: Dubai–Kathmandu — delayed
Passengers should check flydubai’s live flight-status page for the latest updates, as timings can change during the day. flydubai flight status
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has reported cancellations on several UAE-Bahrain and UAE-Kuwait services:
- G9068: Sharjah–Kuwait — cancelled
- G9124: Sharjah–Kuwait — cancelled
- G9107: Sharjah–Bahrain — cancelled
- 3L020: Abu Dhabi–Kuwait — cancelled
Air Arabia advises passengers to check their flight status by flight number or route before travelling to the airport. Air Arabia flight status
India travel
UAE residents travelling to India should allow extra time at airports, with enhanced security measures in place at several major Indian airports through August 20. Passengers travelling to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram may face additional screening and longer queues.
Travellers should factor in extra time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening and boarding, and check their flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport.
Saudi travel
Travelling to Saudi Arabia? Check your passport, visa and other required travel documents before leaving for the airport. Also confirm your flight status with the airline, as regional disruptions can lead to changes at short notice.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has instructed airlines to ensure passengers carry all documents required to enter or leave the Kingdom and reach their final destination or transit point.
Travellers should check the latest entry, exit and transit requirements through official channels, particularly when their itinerary includes a connection in another country.
International carriers
Several international airlines continue to suspend or adjust services to Dubai and other destinations across the Middle East:
- Air Canada: Dubai services suspended until mid-January 2027.
- British Airways: Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman services suspended until October 25.
- Singapore Airlines: Dubai resumption postponed until October 24.
- Scoot: Singapore-Jeddah services suspended until September 12.
- Air France: Dubai and Beirut services temporarily adjusted or suspended.
- KLM: Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai flights suspended until September 6. The airline is also avoiding Iranian, Iraqi and Israeli airspace, as well as parts of the Arabian Gulf.
- Turkish Airlines: Services to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Damascus, Beirut and Amman have resumed, while flights to Iran remain suspended.
- Philippine Airlines: Manila-Doha services have resumed, but Dubai flights remain suspended until October 2.
- Lufthansa Group: Lufthansa and Swiss flights to Dubai remain suspended until September 13, while several other regional services remain suspended until October 24.
Why flights are disrupted
Airlines continue to review their flight paths, schedules and operations as regional security conditions evolve. This means services can be suspended, rerouted or rescheduled at short notice, making it important for passengers to check directly with their airline before travelling.
Some carriers have suspended or adjusted services as a precaution, while others continue to operate selected regional routes. The ongoing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, together with wider regional security concerns, continues to create uncertainty for airlines operating across the Gulf.
As a result, a flight operating today could still face a delay, cancellation or schedule change at short notice. Travellers should check directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.
What travellers should do
If you are flying from the UAE today:
- Check your flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport.
- Allow extra time for check-in, security and possible delays.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Keep your passport, visa and other travel documents readily accessible.
- Monitor airline and airport notifications for last-minute changes.
- If your flight is cancelled, contact the airline for rebooking or refund options rather than travelling to the airport without confirmation.
The situation remains fluid, so passengers should rely on the latest airline and airport updates rather than earlier schedules.
- Check your flight status before leaving home.
- Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if your airline advises.
- flydubai passengers departing from Dubai should arrive at least four hours before departure.
- Allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Keep your contact details updated to receive airline notifications.
- Be prepared for last-minute delays, cancellations or schedule changes.
- Check official airline and airport advisories before travelling.
Travellers are advised: Check official airline channels for the latest real-time flight updates before leaving for the airport.
