Etihad, flydubai and Air France revise schedules as Dubai Airport continues normal operations.
Dubai: Flight operations across the UAE are largely continuing as normal, although airlines are making schedule adjustments as the ongoing US-Iran conflict affects air travel across parts of the Gulf region.
The key development on Tuesday came from Air France, which temporarily suspended flights to Dubai and Riyadh and extended the suspension of services to Beirut, citing the changing security situation in the Middle East.
The airline said flights to and from Dubai International Airport (DXB) will remain suspended until July 27, while departures from Dubai have been cancelled through July 28. Services to Riyadh will be suspended until July 24, with flights departing from the Saudi capital affected until July 25. Flights to Beirut will remain suspended until August 2.
Air France said affected passengers are being contacted directly and will have the option to cancel or reschedule their journeys without additional charges, even if their flights have not been officially cancelled. The airline added that it is continuing to monitor the evolving geopolitical situation and regional airspace restrictions before determining when services can safely resume.
Latest Updates
Air France flights to the Middle East
Air France has suspended flights between Paris and Riyadh until July 24. Departures from Riyadh will remain affected until July 25.
Beirut suspension extended
Air France has extended the suspension of flights to and from Beirut until August 2 amid the ongoing regional security situation.
Dubai International Airport operating normally
Despite Air France’s temporary suspension, Dubai International Airport (DXB) continues to operate as normal.
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said the airport is running at “pretty much full capacity.” More than six million passengers have travelled through Dubai since the regional conflict began, with passenger demand remaining strong as international airlines gradually restore services.
Etihad extends Kuwait cancellations
Etihad Airways has cancelled additional services to Kuwait due to operational reasons. Etihad extends Kuwait flight cancellations
- EY653: Abu Dhabi–Kuwait
- EY654: Kuwait–Abu Dhabi
Bahrain flights cancelled
Etihad has also cancelled selected services to and from Bahrain on the following dates:
July 21
- EY641
- EY642
- EY647
- EY648
July 23
Additional Bahrain services are affected.
- EY647
- EY648
Passengers are advised to ensure their contact details are updated on Etihad’s website so they can receive the latest flight notifications and updates.
flydubai update
flydubai has cancelled the following service:
- FZ023
- Emirates codeshare: EK2016
Both flights operate between Dubai and Bahrain.
US issues worldwide travel alert
The US State Department has issued a worldwide caution notice for American citizens amid heightened regional security concerns.
- The security situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable.
- Travellers should exercise increased caution.
- US citizens should reconsider travel to and through certain parts of the region due to the risk of further escalation.
Why some foreign airlines have not returned
According to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths, Dubai International Airport itself continues to operate normally.
Some international airlines, particularly European carriers, remain affected by government travel advisories. Insurance requirements have also contributed to delays in the return of certain airlines.
Airlines continue to operate using alternative flight routes through Saudi Arabia and southern air corridors to avoid restricted airspace.
Emirates flight cancellations
Emirates has cancelled the following Dubai-Kuwait services on July 21:
- EK853
- EK855
- EK857
- EK859
Return flights from Kuwait to Dubai have also been cancelled:
- EK854
- EK856
- EK858
- EK860
Air Arabia
The following services have been cancelled:
Air Arabia flight cancellations
The following Air Arabia services have been cancelled:
- Sharjah to Kuwait: G9068, G9124
- Abu Dhabi to Kuwait: 3L020
International airlines: UAE flight suspensions and changes
Several international airlines have modified their UAE flight schedules due to regional security concerns and ongoing airspace restrictions.
What travellers may experience
Passengers may face the following disruptions due to ongoing regional conditions:
- Longer flight times: Some routes may require additional 1–3 hours due to alternative flight paths.
- Flight cancellations: Airlines may revise schedules based on ongoing safety assessments.
- Longer connection times: Increased demand at alternative airports could affect transit and layover periods.
- Possible baggage delays: Changes in routes and connections may impact baggage handling and transfers.
Before you travel today
Passengers are advised to:
- Check their flight status directly with their airline.
- Monitor SMS and email notifications from their carrier.
- Allow extra time to reach the airport.
- Review the latest travel advisories when flying to destinations across the Gulf or the wider Middle East.
While most flights from the UAE continue to operate, airlines have warned that schedules remain subject to change as they continue monitoring the evolving regional security situation.
