Regional Tensions Affect UAE Flights as Airlines Resume Select European Routes.
Dubai: Passengers travelling through the UAE experienced further flight delays and cancellations on Thursday morning as ongoing regional security concerns continued to disrupt selected airline routes.
Operational disruptions were also reported at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, affecting some scheduled departures.
Several flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi experienced delays, while cancellations were reported on routes serving destinations such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Despite the continuing uncertainty, some international airlines are preparing to resume services to Dubai in the coming weeks, indicating a gradual restoration of air connectivity.
However, regional security developments continue to influence airline schedules and operational decisions.
Regional Conflict Continues to Disrupt Flight Operations
Philippine Airlines Cancels Manila-Riyadh Flights
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has cancelled two flights between Manila and Riyadh amid heightened security concerns in Saudi Arabia.
The affected services include:
- Flight PR654: Manila to Riyadh, scheduled for October 8.
- Flight PR655: Riyadh to Manila, scheduled for October 10.
The airline confirmed that the cancellations were prompted by the evolving security situation in the region.
PAL said its operational teams were closely evaluating airport conditions and assessing how the developments could affect upcoming services.
Passengers affected by the cancellations will be informed about available travel alternatives and other arrangements.
flydubai and Emirates Tel Aviv Services Remain Suspended
Flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv continue to face restrictions following a security incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073.
The incident has affected flydubai’s Tel Aviv operations, while Emirates has suspended its codeshare services with flydubai on flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice.
The suspension also affects Emirates passengers holding codeshare bookings operated by flydubai on the route.
Travellers planning journeys to or from Tel Aviv are advised to verify their booking status and review the latest airline announcements before heading to the airport.
Iranian Airlines Face Additional Regional Flight Restrictions
Iranian carriers are encountering increasing restrictions across the region following sanctions imposed by the United States.
The UAE has suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country until further notice, affecting carriers including Iran Airtour.
As a result, these airlines are currently unable to operate services through Dubai International Airport or other UAE airports.
Flight operations involving several Iraqi destinations have also been suspended, including services to Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah.
Additional flight restrictions and suspensions have been reported on routes involving Oman, Georgia and Azerbaijan.
The developments highlight the continuing impact of regional security tensions on international aviation, with airlines adjusting their networks in response to changing operational conditions.
UAE Airport Disruptions: Flight Delays and Cancellations Reported
Several flights departing from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi experienced delays on Thursday morning as airlines continued adjusting their schedules amid regional uncertainty.
Passengers have been advised to verify their individual flight status before travelling, as departure and arrival times remain subject to change.
Dubai International Airport: Latest Flight Cancellations
Morning operations at Dubai International Airport were affected by a combination of delays and cancellations involving Emirates, flydubai and other international carriers.
According to the latest flight-status update, the following services were listed as cancelled:
- flydubai FZ969: Dubai to Moscow Vnukovo
- flydubai FZ815: Dubai to Abha
- flydubai FZ811: Dubai to Abha
- Emirates EK855: Dubai to Kuwait
- Saudia SV563: Dubai to Riyadh
- flydubai FZ817: Dubai to Yanbu
Meanwhile, flynas flight XY202 from Dubai to Riyadh was reported as delayed.
Travellers booked on these routes should contact their respective airlines for updated departure information and available travel arrangements.
Abu Dhabi Airport: Etihad Flights Experience Delays
Operations at Zayed International Airport also experienced disruptions, with several Etihad Airways services reporting delays during the morning.
Among the affected flights were:
- Etihad EY653: Service to Kuwait arrived later than scheduled.
- Etihad EY575: Flight to Dammam recorded a delayed arrival.
- Etihad EY577: Another service to Dammam also arrived late.
Several other morning flights experienced minor delays, although airport operations continued.
Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia: Latest Airline Updates
Emirates
Emirates reported minor delays affecting some morning departures.
Passengers are encouraged to check the airline’s official website or mobile application for the latest flight information before leaving for the airport.
Etihad Airways
Etihad experienced delays on selected regional services, including EY653 to Kuwait and flights EY575 and EY577 to Dammam.
Other morning flights also recorded minor schedule disruptions.
Travellers should continue monitoring their booking details for any changes to departure or arrival times.
flydubai
flydubai reported a number of delays and cancellations affecting selected destinations.
The airline has advised passengers departing from Dubai to allow at least four hours before their scheduled departure, complete online check-in whenever available and confirm their flight status before travelling.
These precautions are intended to help passengers manage potential changes to their travel arrangements.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia also experienced disruptions across several regional routes, particularly services connecting the UAE with Kuwait and Bahrain.
The latest update listed the following flight statuses:
- G9068: Sharjah to Kuwait — Cancelled
- G9124: Sharjah to Kuwait — Cancelled
- G9107: Sharjah to Bahrain — Cancelled
- G9101: Sharjah to Bahrain — Arrived late
- G9121: Remained operational but had not departed at the time of the update
- G9103: Sharjah to Bahrain — Scheduled
- G9105: Sharjah to Bahrain — Scheduled
- 3L020: Abu Dhabi to Kuwait — Cancelled
Passengers travelling with Air Arabia are advised to monitor official flight-status updates, particularly for services to Kuwait and Bahrain.
As regional aviation conditions continue to evolve, travellers should confirm their flight details directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
More International Flights Set to Resume at Dubai Airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is expected to see a gradual recovery in European flight connectivity as several major airlines prepare to resume or expand their services in the coming weeks.
Airlines belonging to the Lufthansa Group, including Lufthansa, SWISS, Eurowings and Austrian Airlines, have announced plans to restore or increase flights connecting Dubai with key European cities from late October through December.
At peak operations, the group is expected to offer up to 36 weekly flights, providing additional travel options for passengers flying between the UAE and Europe.
Lufthansa Group: Planned Dubai Flight Resumptions
- Lufthansa: Dubai-Munich flights are scheduled to resume on October 25, operating five times weekly. Frankfurt-Dubai services are expected to restart on October 26 with four weekly flights, increasing to five from November 9.
- SWISS: Daily flights between Zurich and Dubai are scheduled to resume on October 27.
- Eurowings: Daily Berlin-Dubai services and four weekly Stuttgart-Dubai flights are planned from November 1. The airline also intends to introduce three weekly flights between Cologne/Bonn and Dubai beginning November 3.
- Austrian Airlines: Vienna-Dubai services are scheduled to resume on December 12, with five flights per week.
The planned expansion indicates a gradual restoration of European air connections, although airline schedules remain dependent on regional security and operational conditions.
UAE Travel Advisories: Latest Guidance From Major Countries
Several governments continue to advise travellers to exercise caution when visiting the UAE and neighbouring Gulf countries due to ongoing regional tensions.
United Kingdom
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has withdrawn its broader advisory against all but essential travel to the UAE.
However, British authorities continue to caution travellers about possible flight cancellations, schedule disruptions and changes to regional airspace availability.
United States
The US government continues to classify the UAE under Level 3 — Reconsider Travel.
The advisory highlights concerns involving terrorism, armed conflict and potential disruption to commercial aviation services.
Australia
Australian authorities continue to recommend that travellers reconsider their need to visit the UAE.
The advisory cites unpredictable regional security developments and the possibility of sudden airspace restrictions or closures.
Canada
Canada advises its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
European Aviation Safety Agency
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its conflict-zone information bulletin until November 16, 2026.
The bulletin includes warnings concerning aviation operations involving the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia
A US security alert covering Saudi Arabia has urged American citizens to remain vigilant amid concerns about possible aerial attacks involving drones or missiles.
International Airlines: Latest UAE Flight Suspensions and Resumptions
Several international carriers have announced updated schedules affecting flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other regional destinations.
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines has resumed its Dubai-Manila services, with bookings available from October 5.
Lufthansa Group
The airline group is preparing to gradually restore Dubai connections from late October, with operations expected to increase to as many as 36 flights per week at peak capacity.
Wizz Air
Wizz Air has postponed selected Abu Dhabi route launches originally planned for late October until January 10, 2027.
The airline cited EASA’s latest security assessment, additional flying distances resulting from the continued closure of Iraqi airspace, and higher fuel expenses.
Flights to Jordan have also been suspended until October 25.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines has cancelled flight SQ494 from Singapore to Dubai and flight SQ495 from Dubai to Singapore until December 1.
Other services may also experience operational changes depending on regional conditions.
British Airways
British Airways is scheduled to resume Dubai services on November 3.
However, the airline’s Abu Dhabi operations remain suspended until the 2027–28 winter season.
Air France
Air France has extended the suspension of flights to Dubai and Riyadh through October 24.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific has cancelled passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh until January 31, 2027.
Affected customers are being offered alternative arrangements, including rebooking, rerouting or refunds.
Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Edelweiss
Services operated by these airlines to Abu Dhabi remain suspended through October 24.
Eurowings has also suspended its Abu Dhabi flights until October 24, although a confirmed restart date has not been announced.
Essential Travel Advice for UAE Passengers
With flight schedules continuing to change, passengers are encouraged to take additional precautions before travelling.
- Confirm your flight status before leaving home. Even confirmed bookings may be affected by unexpected delays or cancellations.
- Arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure, unless your airline provides different instructions.
- flydubai passengers departing from Dubai should allow four hours before departure, in accordance with the airline’s guidance.
- Complete online check-in whenever the service is available to reduce waiting times at the airport.
- Plan for additional travel time, including possible road congestion and longer queues at check-in, security and immigration.
- Keep your contact information updated with your airline to receive important notifications about flight changes.
- Prepare for unexpected disruptions, including last-minute schedule revisions, longer flight routes or cancellations.
- Follow official airline and airport announcements rather than relying on unverified information circulating online.
Although international airlines are gradually restoring selected services to Dubai, regional aviation conditions remain unpredictable, making it essential for travellers to monitor their flight arrangements closely.
