UAE Aviation Heads Into Winter Travel Season Amid Rising Passenger Capacity and Security Concerns.
UAE aviation is heading into the winter travel season on a positive note, with airports recording higher passenger capacity and several international airlines preparing to resume services.
The key takeaway for travellers is that UAE airports remain operational, although some international routes and airline schedules have yet to return to normal.
There are no nationwide shutdowns affecting businesses, schools, airports or essential services across the UAE.
Against the backdrop of the continuing tensions between the US, Israel and Iran, including the reported US military strikes described as “defensive” on Iran’s Qeshm Island late on Monday (November 2), the main concerns for residents remain air travel, shipping costs and energy prices.
Here are the latest developments UAE residents should know:
Travel
British Airways is expected to resume its Dubai flights on November 3, re-establishing another key air link between the UAE and Europe.
Other European airlines are revising their return plans. Lufthansa has pushed back the resumption of its Dubai services to November 25, while its Abu Dhabi flights remain suspended until the winter 2027–28 season.
Etihad Airways has extended the suspension of flights from Abu Dhabi to the following Saudi Arabian destinations:
- Riyadh
- Jeddah
- Dammam
The cancellations are expected to remain in place until November 5. Passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia should verify their booking status and contact Etihad before making their way to Zayed International Airport.
Regional security concerns, particularly those involving Saudi Arabia, continue to affect flight operations, resulting in cancellations, delays and schedule adjustments. Emirates and flydubai, however, are following different timelines for restoring their Saudi Arabian services.
Despite some international and Saudi routes continuing to experience cancellations and delays, Dubai International Airport (DXB) recorded approximately 7.2 million departing seats in October. This represents a 23 per cent increase compared with June.
Emirates accounted for around 3.1 million seats, while flydubai’s capacity climbed 27.5 per cent from June to approximately 1.1 million seats.
The figures point to a significant improvement in scheduled flight capacity, although increased capacity does not necessarily mean that all destinations and services have returned to normal.
The latest airline updates include:
- Emirates: Flights to Jeddah resumed on October 30, while services to Riyadh and Dammam are scheduled to restart on November 8.
- flydubai: Services to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha resumed on October 30, although individual flights remain subject to operational changes.
The gradual restoration of services reflects ongoing security assessments following attacks targeting airports and infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
Singapore Airlines has further extended the suspension of its Singapore-Dubai flights, SQ494 and SQ495, until February 28, 2027.
Passengers are advised to take the following precautions:
- Check flight status through the airline’s website or mobile app before setting off for the airport.
- Allow additional time for travel to the airport.
- Contact the airline directly for information on refunds, cancellations and rebooking options.
US strikes target Qeshm Island
The US military reportedly carried out limited “defensive” strikes on Iranian targets on Qeshm Island late Monday, according to US media reports published early Tuesday.
The reported military action could explain explosions heard on the island. US officials have also warned regional allies to prepare for possible strikes following the November 3 midterm elections, as well as the possibility of Iranian retaliation.
Hormuz negotiations remain at a standstill
Iran has said that an agreement to secure the Strait of Hormuz cannot be reached until the US lifts its naval blockade, adding that the next move is Washington’s responsibility.
Tehran claims its latest proposal could be put into effect within 48 hours, a significant reduction from its earlier seven-day timeline. Messages have reportedly been exchanged through mediators, including Qatar.
Iran’s position on Gulf neighbours
Iran says it does not consider Gulf countries its adversaries but has warned that it would retaliate if their territory or military facilities were used to launch attacks against it.
US Central Command (CentCom) has rejected Iran’s claims, accusing Tehran of targeting civilian infrastructure. It also said attacks on civilian vessels had killed more than 20 mariners in recent months.
Developments across the wider region
Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile directed towards its southern region. Meanwhile, the Houthis claimed that Saudi strikes in Yemen had injured seven people.
China is advocating a political resolution to the conflict and is planning to dispatch an envoy to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia as part of its diplomatic efforts.
Money and energy
A prolonged disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could increase freight and insurance costs, put pressure on energy markets and disrupt supply chains.
Oil prices have declined amid hopes of a possible agreement. However, the fall followed the circulation of a draft proposal aimed at ending the conflict, rather than the signing of a final agreement.
Beach closures
Ras Al Khaimah has closed all its beaches until further notice following an offshore oil leak. Similar closures have also been reported in Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah.
Residents are advised to check the latest announcements from local authorities before visiting coastal areas, as the reported closures date back approximately a week and conditions may have changed.
What UAE residents should do
Residents should follow official UAE government announcements, keep track of airline notifications and avoid relying on unverified social media reports.
Travellers should ensure their airline and embassy contact details are up to date. Keeping essential supplies at home is also a sensible precaution.
The situation remains fluid. Reports of the Qeshm strikes have come from US media, while Iran has presented its own account of events. Further developments are possible following the November 3 US midterm elections.
