UAE flight alert: Travellers advised to monitor schedules amid US-Iran tensions.
Tensions between the US and Iran remain high, with the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of the latest developments. President Donald Trump has intensified economic pressure on Tehran, while Iran has rejected the measures. Oman continues to pursue diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions and addressing arrangements for passage through the strategic waterway.
For UAE residents, the standoff could have wider implications, particularly for shipping, oil prices, regional travel and flight operations. Traffic through Hormuz has fallen sharply, adding to concerns over energy supplies and maritime trade, while continued geopolitical uncertainty is also weighing on regional markets.
Here are the key developments to watch today:
Strait of Hormuz remains the main flashpoint
- Trump said he considers the Strait of Hormuz “American territory” and claimed the US has “total control” over the waterway and surrounding areas.
- He said Iran wants a deal but is not yet prepared to accept what he considers the right terms.
- Iran has outlined conditions for reopening the strait, including lifting the blockade, releasing frozen Iranian assets and easing oil sanctions.
- Vessel traffic through the strategic waterway remains significantly below pre-war levels, despite a recent increase in movements.
- NATO allies are considering possible contributions to support freedom of navigation, although NATO has stressed that any such effort would not be a NATO mission.
US intensifies economic pressure on Iran
- Trump has announced what he described as the “most crushing economic operation” against Tehran.
- The measures target oil-smuggling networks, financial transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies.
- Trump warned countries and businesses continuing to trade with Iran could face “tremendous economic consequences.”
- Iran rejected the measures, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei describing the sanctions as a “declaration of war” on all nations.
- China has also criticised the US campaign, warning that sanctions and pressure tactics could further escalate tensions.
Oman keeps diplomatic channels open
- Oman’s foreign minister held talks with his Iranian counterpart on efforts to resume negotiations over arrangements governing passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oman has historically played an important role in facilitating US-Iran diplomacy.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also met Oman’s top diplomat amid tensions surrounding Muscat’s efforts to engage Tehran.
- Iranian state media reported that a trade agreement with Oman has been finalised and sent to parliament for approval.
Iran signals need to end the war
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the conflict with the US would have to end “at some point”, while maintaining that diplomacy should continue from a position of strength.
His comments come as Iran faces mounting economic pressure, including shortages and high inflation, while hardliners continue to resist making concessions to Washington.
Oil exports and energy prices under pressure
- Iranian crude exports have fallen sharply from pre-war levels as the US blockade restricts Tehran’s ability to ship oil.
- A significant volume of Iranian crude is reportedly stranded aboard tankers in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
- Trump has predicted that oil prices will decline once the conflict ends.
- Continued disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could keep pressure on global energy markets.
UAE flight update: What travellers need to know
UAE airports are preparing for increased passenger traffic as the summer holiday period draws to a close. However, regional flight schedules remain subject to change amid the wider security situation in the Middle East.
Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs has increased operational readiness at airport platforms and checkpoints to help manage the expected travel surge.
UAE airline updates
- Etihad Airways: Abu Dhabi–Bahrain services are operating, with EY647 and EY648 having arrived. EY641, EY643, EY645, EY642, EY644 and EY646 are scheduled to operate. Abu Dhabi–Kuwait service EY653 and Kuwait–Abu Dhabi EY654 are also scheduled.
- Emirates: Some Dubai–Bahrain services have been cancelled, while EK839 and EK840 remain scheduled. Dubai–Kuwait flights EK857 and EK858 are also scheduled.
- flydubai: Services to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating, although some other flights have been cancelled.
- Air Arabia: Several services between the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain have been cancelled or delayed, while some flights have yet to depart. Some Sharjah–Kuwait and Kuwait–Sharjah services have also been cancelled.
Flight schedules can change at short notice, so passengers should check their specific flight status before leaving for the airport.
International airlines
Several international carriers are continuing to adjust their Middle East schedules:
- Air Canada: Dubai services suspended until mid-January 2027.
- British Airways: Services to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman suspended until October 25.
- Singapore Airlines: Dubai services suspended until October 24.
- KLM: Services to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam suspended until September 6.
- Philippine Airlines: Dubai services suspended until October 2.
- Lufthansa and SWISS: Dubai services suspended until September 13.
- Turkish Airlines: Services to Abu Dhabi and Dubai have resumed, while flights to Iran remain suspended.
Dubai prepares for post-summer travel rush
Dubai authorities are stepping up operational readiness across airport platforms and checkpoints as residents and visitors return from their summer holidays.
Passengers should expect busier airports and allow extra time for check-in, security screening, immigration and traffic when travelling to and from the airport.
What UAE residents should watch next
The key developments to monitor include traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, US-Iran negotiations, potential new sanctions, oil prices and airline schedules.
Any further escalation around the strategic waterway could have broader implications for regional shipping, energy markets, trade and air travel, making developments in the coming days particularly important for UAE residents.
For travellers, it is important to check your airline and airport status before leaving for the airport, as flight schedules and routes can change at short notice.
