Airlines continue adjusting UAE flight schedules as Gulf tensions and airspace restrictions persist.
Dubai: If you are flying from the UAE today, it is advisable to check your flight status before travelling to the airport.
While most services continue to operate as scheduled, some flights by Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia remain cancelled or delayed as airlines continue adjusting operations amid ongoing airspace restrictions and challenges linked to the regional security situation.
US-Iran tensions: What is the latest?
The disruptions come as diplomatic efforts to ease tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue, with markets and airlines closely monitoring developments.
The strategic waterway remains a key concern for regional transport and energy flows, while airlines continue reviewing operations amid the evolving security situation.
Iran and Oman have said talks on a new shipping framework for the strategic waterway are making positive progress, while Qatar has said mediators are circulating draft language for a broader US-Iran agreement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also identified the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as an immediate priority, even as the US Navy continues to enforce restrictions on Iranian maritime traffic.
What UAE and regional airlines are doing
Emirates
Emirates has cancelled several flights departing from Dubai, including services to Bahrain, Kuwait and Dammam.
The affected flights are:
- EK823 – Dubai to Dammam
- EK835 – Dubai to Bahrain
- EK837 – Dubai to Bahrain
- EK839 – Dubai to Bahrain
- EK853 – Dubai to Kuwait
- EK855 – Dubai to Kuwait
- EK857 – Dubai to Kuwait
- EK859 – Dubai to Kuwait
The airline has advised passengers to check the latest flight status through its official channels before travelling to the airport.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways continues to suspend selected services due to operational reasons. Cancelled flights include:
Flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain
- EY653 – Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
- EY654 – Kuwait to Abu Dhabi
The airline has not provided a timeline for the resumption of Kuwait and Bahrain services and said affected passengers are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements.
flydubai
The following flydubai services have been cancelled:
- FZ711A – Dubai to Tbilisi
- FZ811A – Dubai to Abha
- FZ033 – Dubai to Salalah
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has cancelled several flights from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, including services to Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha and Abha.
Affected flights include:
G9068 – Sharjah to Kuwait
G9124 – Sharjah to Kuwait
G9107 – Sharjah to Bahrain
G9195 – Sharjah to Abha
G9081 – Sharjah to Doha
G9138 – Sharjah to Doha
3L020 – Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
Regional airlines
Airlines across the Gulf continue to adjust their operations as they respond to changing conditions.
Qatar Airways has extended the temporary suspension of passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait until August 7.
Oman Air said technical issues, combined with temporary restrictions on certain air routes, continue to affect parts of its network, resulting in delays and cancellations.
The airline said affected passengers are being contacted through WhatsApp, SMS and email, with some travellers being rebooked onto alternative airlines where possible.
Jazeera Airways has advised passengers to arrive at the airport no more than three hours before their revised departure time, while Saudia said it continues to review operations to improve schedule reliability.
International travel advisories
International authorities continue to advise caution as the regional security situation evolves.
Travellers are being urged to monitor official updates, check flight status with their airlines before departure and allow for possible changes to travel plans as airlines continue adjusting operations.
The US Department of State has issued a worldwide security advisory urging Americans to exercise increased caution due to heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The advisory warned that travellers in the region should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions. Those planning to travel to or through the Middle East have been advised to closely monitor airline and airport updates.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) until August 31, advising EU airlines against operating in the airspace of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, as well as parts of the Gulf of Oman.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office continues to advise travellers to check official updates before travelling to the Middle East.
Airlines are also continuing to follow operational guidance related to regional airspace restrictions and changing security assessments.
What international airlines are doing
Several international carriers have extended flight suspensions to destinations across the Gulf as they continue to assess the evolving security situation and regional airspace restrictions.
Here are the latest updates:
International airline updates
Several international carriers have extended flight suspensions or adjusted schedules as they continue monitoring the regional security situation and airspace restrictions.
- Air France: Flights to and from Dubai and Beirut remain suspended until August 18, while services to and from Riyadh are suspended until August 14. The airline said operations will resume only after further security assessments and is offering affected passengers free rebooking or refunds.
- Lufthansa Group: Flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Riyadh, Doha and Dammam remain suspended until October 24. Services to Amman, Erbil and Tel Aviv are also affected.
- British Airways: Customers travelling to several Middle East destinations can change their travel dates or request refunds under the airline’s flexible booking policy. The waiver currently applies to eligible bookings through October 31.
- Singapore Airlines: Flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until further notice due to the evolving regional security situation.
- Air Canada: Services to Dubai remain suspended as the airline continues monitoring developments in the region.
- Cathay Pacific: Flights between Hong Kong and Dubai remain suspended until further notice.
- Finnair: The airline continues to suspend services to Dubai while reviewing regional security conditions.
- ITA Airways: Flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until further notice.
- Turkish Airlines: Flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi have resumed, although services to Iran remain suspended.
- KLM: The airline continues to monitor the regional security situation and adjust operations as required, with affected passengers being contacted directly.
What is causing the disruptions?
Although diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Gulf are gaining momentum, airlines continue to operate cautiously due to ongoing airspace restrictions, changing security assessments and operational challenges.
Carriers have been rerouting aircraft to avoid affected areas, resulting in longer flight times, changes to crew schedules and aircraft rotations, and occasional cancellations. Technical issues and operational adjustments at some regional airlines have also contributed to disruptions.
While commercial aviation across the UAE remains largely operational, airlines continue to review schedules daily as the regional situation develops.
What travellers should keep in mind
UAE airports are advising passengers to:
- Arrive at least three hours before departure.
- Check flight status before leaving home.
- Allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration procedures.
- Use online check-in and airline mobile apps where available.
- Keep contact details updated to receive real-time flight notifications.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has also reminded passengers to allow additional time for their journeys as summer travel demand remains high.
For travellers heading to destinations across the Gulf and the wider Middle East, the best approach is to check directly with their airline for the latest updates before leaving for the airport, as schedules may change at short notice.
