Emirates resumes one Bahrain service, while Kuwait routes remain disrupted.
Dubai: Travellers flying from the UAE today, August 18, should be prepared for possible cancellations, delays and last-minute schedule changes as airlines continue to adjust operations amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Most flights remain operational, but some Bahrain and Kuwait services continue to face disruptions.
Emirates has resumed one daily Bahrain service, while other Bahrain flights remain cancelled. Etihad continues to operate selected services to Bahrain and Kuwait but has cancelled three pairs of Bahrain flights through August 21.
Air Arabia has cancelled several UAE-Kuwait and UAE-Bahrain services, while flydubai says its Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia flights are operating as scheduled. Several international carriers have also extended or adjusted their Dubai and regional services.
Iran Gives US ‘Few Weeks’ as Hormuz Disruption Deepens
The Middle East conflict has entered another tense phase, with Iran warning Washington that it has “a few weeks” to meet its demands before Tehran shifts to a fully offensive military posture.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran could take military action to break the US naval blockade if Washington fails to implement an interim peace agreement. The warning comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted, with vessel traffic falling to only a handful of crossings in recent days.
The developments have also added pressure to global energy markets, with oil prices rising as concerns grow over prolonged disruption to the key shipping route.
Tehran is demanding a $300 billion reconstruction fund, the release of frozen Iranian assets, an end to the US naval blockade, a complete end to the war and a permanent settlement over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait remains at the heart of the crisis. Tanker traffic has dropped sharply, with just five commodity vessels crossing on Saturday and none recorded on Sunday, compared with 31 during the previous weekend.
Brent crude has risen above $91 a barrel as markets weigh the risk of prolonged disruption to global energy supplies.
Elsewhere, Iraq has launched an investigation into an attack on the office of Kurdistan’s prime minister. Kurdish authorities blamed Iran, saying Iranian drones targeted Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s personal office and the residence of the region’s security and intelligence chief. No casualties were reported.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack on Kurdish officials and urged Iran’s Kurdish allies to remain vigilant against what he described as “false flags” intended to create tensions between neighbouring countries.
In the Red Sea, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis claimed they had launched a missile attack on a Saudi military vessel and four escort ships near Mocha. Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the claim.
DXB Prepares for Post-Summer Travel Rush
Meanwhile, Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has stepped up operational readiness across travel platforms and checkpoints at Dubai airports.
The measures are aimed at managing the expected increase in passenger numbers as residents, visitors and families return to the UAE following the summer holidays, while speeding up processing and improving the overall airport experience.
For travellers, the measures are designed to support the return of citizens, residents and visitors after the summer holidays, while helping reduce processing times and improve the airport experience.
This means passengers should expect higher traffic at UAE airports as the summer travel period draws to a close.
What UAE and regional airlines are doing
Etihad Airways
Etihad said flights EY643 and EY644 between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain are operating as scheduled.
However, flights EY641-EY642, EY645-EY646 and EY647-EY648 remain cancelled through August 21. The airline said affected passengers are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements.
Etihad said its teams are assisting affected passengers with their travel arrangements, including rebooking them on alternative services.
Flights between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait are currently scheduled to operate:
- EY653: Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
- EY654: Kuwait to Abu Dhabi
Emirates
Emirates has resumed one daily service to Bahrain, while two other Bahrain flights 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 unavailable at the latest check. Emirates has advised passengers to check flight information closer to departure, with status details available 24 hours before the flight.
The airline is also allowing eligible passengers to change their travel dates without a change fee, although any difference in fare or taxes may still apply.
Passengers should check their individual flight status before travelling to Dubai International Airport.
flydubai
flydubai said its flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled. Passengers are nevertheless advised to check their flight status before departure and allow extra time at the airport.
Passengers should continue to check their individual flight status before leaving for the airport, complete online check-in where available and allow extra time to reach Dubai International Airport during the busy summer travel period.
flydubai advises passengers departing from Dubai to arrive at least four hours before departure. The airline’s flight-status page provides real-time updates.
However, FZ909 from Dubai to Jeddah has been delayed, according to the latest update.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia continues to report cancellations affecting services between the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain. The latest cancellations include 3L020 Abu Dhabi-Kuwait, G9068 and G9124 Sharjah-Kuwait, and G9107/G9108 between Sharjah and Bahrain.
Passengers should check Air Arabia’s official flight-status page before travelling. Air Arabia flight status
Other Dubai Departures
Several other Dubai departures are also showing disruptions, adding to the list of affected regional services.
- XY812 flynas, Dubai-Dammam: Cancelled
- PIA217 Airblue, Dubai-Islamabad: Cancelled
The latest flight information was reported on August 18, with schedules subject to change as airlines continue to adjust operations. Passengers should check directly with their airline or airport before travelling.
