Hormuz tensions put airlines on alert as international carriers extend Middle East suspensions.
Dubai: UAE travellers flying today face an uncertain travel picture, with airlines operating a mix of scheduled services, cancellations and delays as the regional security situation remains fluid.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and flydubai continue to operate selected routes, but several services have been cancelled or delayed. International carriers have also extended suspensions on flights to Dubai and other destinations across the Middle East.
Travellers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport and allow additional time for their journey, as schedules can change at short notice.
War status
The US-Iran conflict entered another tense day on Thursday, with Washington stepping up economic pressure on Tehran and uncertainty continuing over the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump has announced what he called an “Economic D-Day” against Iran, threatening sweeping economic measures and warning that countries or entities providing Tehran with financial or commercial support could face severe consequences.
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, while the two sides continue to disagree over the status of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington maintains that shipping can pass through the waterway, while Tehran says it will remain closed until its conditions are met.
Iran’s military has warned Gulf states against assisting US forces, saying countries that allow their territory, airspace or waters to be used for operations against Iran could face retaliation.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern for regional shipping and logistics. Many shipowners continue to avoid the waterway despite Washington saying it is open, while Tehran maintains that it remains blocked.
Brent crude was trading at around $91.87 a barrel in early Asian trading on Thursday, reflecting continued market concern over the conflict and potential disruptions to oil shipments.
Elsewhere, fresh Israeli strikes in Gaza have added to the challenges facing ceasefire efforts, with Palestinian health officials reporting further casualties.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways said flight EY276 from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to Peshawar on August 20 was delayed due to operational reasons. The return service, EY277, from Peshawar to Abu Dhabi was also delayed.
On the Abu Dhabi-Bahrain route, EY643 and EY644 were operating as scheduled, while flights EY641-EY642, EY645-EY646 and EY647-EY648 had been cancelled through August 21.
However, Etihad flights EY641-EY642, EY645-EY646 and EY647-EY648 have been cancelled through August 21. The airline said its teams are assisting affected passengers, including by arranging alternative services.
Emirates
Emirates is operating a mix of services and cancellations on its Dubai-Bahrain route.
- EK835: Cancelled
- EK837: Cancelled
- EK839: Scheduled
The status of some Dubai-Kuwait services was unavailable at the latest check. Emirates said flight information for those services would be available 24 hours before departure.
Emirates has also said Dubai-bound passengers can change their travel dates an unlimited number of times without a change fee, under measures introduced on August 10. Fare and tax differences may still apply.
Passengers should check the latest Emirates flight status before heading to the airport, as schedules remain subject to change.
flydubai
flydubai said its flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled. However, the airline is advising passengers to check their flight status before travelling, complete online check-in where available and allow extra time to reach Dubai International Airport.
Passengers departing Dubai on flydubai are advised to arrive at least four hours before departure.
Current delays from Dubai International Airport include:
- FZ1211 / EK2326: Dubai–Tel Aviv — delayed
- FZ909 / EK2334: Dubai–Jeddah — delayed
- FZ627: Dubai–Bodrum — delayed
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has cancelled several services, including:
- G9107: Sharjah–Bahrain
- G9068: Sharjah–Kuwait
- G9124: Sharjah–Kuwait
- 3L020: Abu Dhabi–Kuwait
Other services are also being affected, with passengers advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.
- PA111: Airblue, Dubai–Karachi — cancelled
- SG5117: SpiceJet, Dubai–Kochi — cancelled
Saudi travel
Travelling to Saudi Arabia? Check your documents before leaving for the airport.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has instructed airlines to verify that passengers have the documents required to enter or leave the Kingdom and reach their final destination or transit point.
Travellers should check the latest entry, exit and transit requirements through official channels, particularly if their itinerary includes a connection in another country. Airlines have also been instructed to verify these requirements before boarding.
International carriers
Several international airlines continue to suspend or adjust services to Dubai and other Middle East destinations amid the evolving regional security situation.
- 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: Resumption of Dubai services pushed back to October 24.
- Scoot: Singapore-Jeddah services suspended until September 12.
- Air France: Dubai and Beirut services temporarily adjusted or suspended.
- KLM: Flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai suspended until September 6. The airline is also avoiding Iranian, Iraqi and Israeli airspace, along with parts of the Arabian Gulf.
- Turkish Airlines: Services to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Damascus, Beirut and Amman have resumed, while flights to Iran remain suspended.
- Philippine Airlines: Manila-Doha services have resumed, but Dubai flights remain suspended until October 2.
- Lufthansa Group: Lufthansa and Swiss services to Dubai remain suspended until September 13, while several other regional flights remain suspended until October 24.
Why flights are disrupted
Airlines continue to review flight schedules, routes and operating plans as the regional security situation evolves.
While some carriers have suspended or adjusted services as a precaution, others continue to operate selected routes across the region.
Ongoing uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz, combined with broader security concerns, continues to complicate operations for airlines flying across the Gulf.
As a result, flights operating today could still face delays, cancellations or schedule changes at short notice.
What travellers should do
If you are flying from the UAE today:
- Check your flight status before leaving home.
- Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if advised by your airline.
- If flying flydubai from Dubai, arrive at least four hours before departure.
- Allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration procedures.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Keep your contact details up to date to receive airline notifications.
- Be prepared for last-minute delays, cancellations or schedule changes.
- Check official airline and airport advisories before setting out.
Travellers are advised: Check official airline channels for the latest real-time flight updates before leaving for the airport.
