UAE flights largely operating as scheduled, but Bahrain and Kuwait routes face disruptions.
UAE travellers flying today are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as airlines continue to adjust some regional services despite overall operations remaining largely stable.
Etihad Airways, Emirates, Air Arabia and flydubai continue to operate flights across the region, although some services to Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have been cancelled or remain subject to change.
The updates come as UAE airports enter one of the busiest periods of the summer travel season, with passenger numbers rising as families and holidaymakers travel overseas. Airlines and airport authorities are advising passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time for check-in and security procedures.
UAE–India travel: What passengers need to know
Flights between the UAE and India remain a major focus for travellers during the summer peak. Passengers flying to India should also be prepared for tighter airport security measures ahead of the country’s Independence Day on August 15.
Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have advised travellers to arrive early, noting that additional security checks could lead to longer processing times.
Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet have also advised passengers travelling around the Independence Day period to allow extra time for security screening, check-in and other airport formalities.
Regional updates
Beyond the latest flight changes, ongoing geopolitical tensions across the Gulf continue to disrupt regional travel, shipping and energy markets. Key developments include the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices, diplomatic talks and wider security concerns.
- Strait of Hormuz: Traffic remains extremely low despite US President Donald Trump’s claim that the US has “total control” of the waterway. The IEA has warned that reopening the route is becoming increasingly urgent as global oil inventories decline rapidly.
- Latest talks: Iran is seeking compensation over alleged pollution in the Arabian Gulf and surrounding waters.
- Trump’s stance: Trump maintains that the Strait is open and under US control, while Tehran says the waterway will remain closed until its demands are addressed.
- Oil prices: The disruption has heightened concerns over global energy supplies, with US officials warning that oil and gas prices could rise.
- Regional tensions: Israel has resumed strikes in Gaza and operations in southern Lebanon despite existing ceasefires.
- Oman oil spill: A spill from a Russian crude tanker has affected up to 40km of coastline near Ras Madrakah, with Masirah Island also facing a potential impact.
UAE flight updates
Etihad: Abu Dhabi–Bahrain flights cancelled
Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport, citing operational reasons.
Affected passengers have been advised to ensure their contact details are up to date and monitor the latest updates from the airline.
Etihad’s Abu Dhabi–Kuwait services scheduled for today, August 13, remain listed as operating:
- EY653: Abu Dhabi to Kuwait — scheduled
- EY654: Kuwait to Abu Dhabi — scheduled
Emirates adjusts selected Bahrain and Kuwait flights
Emirates’ latest flight information showed that the status of several services from Dubai was unavailable at the time of checking.
- Dubai (DXB) to Kuwait (KWI): Status unavailable
- Dubai (DXB) to Bahrain (BAH): Status unavailable
- Dubai (DXB) to Algiers (ALG): Cancelled
Emirates said updated flight status information for the affected routes will be available 24 hours before departure.
Emirates has also introduced more flexibility for Dubai-bound passengers, allowing them to change their travel dates without a fee an unlimited number of times under measures introduced on August 10. Fare and tax differences may still apply.
flydubai: Flights operating as scheduled
flydubai said its services to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled.
However, the airline has advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling, complete online check-in where available and allow extra time to reach Dubai International Airport amid the busy summer travel period.
Passengers departing from Dubai on flydubai are advised to arrive at least four hours before departure.
Air Arabia: Several cancellations and delays reported
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has reported changes to several services between the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Abu Dhabi–Kuwait
- 3L020: Cancelled
- 3L022: Not yet departed
Abu Dhabi–Bahrain
- 3L015: Not yet departed
- 3L017: Not yet departed
Bahrain–Abu Dhabi
- Flight status: Updates pending.
- 3L016: Not yet departed
- 3L018: Not yet departed
Air Arabia services from Sharjah have also been affected.
Sharjah–Kuwait
- G9068: Cancelled
- G9124: Cancelled
- G9121: Not yet departed
Kuwait–Sharjah
- G9069: Cancelled
- G9125: Cancelled
- G9122: Not yet departed
Sharjah–Bahrain
- Flight status: Updates pending.
- G9107: Cancelled
- G9101, G9103, G9105: Not yet departed
- Bahrain–Sharjah
- G9108: Cancelled
- G9102, G9104, G9106: Not yet departed
- Sharjah–Abha
- G9195: Not yet departed
- Abha–Sharjah
- G9196: Not yet departed
- International airlines adjust Gulf services
- Several international airlines have suspended, cancelled or modified selected services to the UAE and other destinations across the Gulf amid ongoing regional disruptions.
Latest international airline updates
Several international carriers continue to adjust Gulf services amid the ongoing regional disruptions.
- British Airways: Flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman remain suspended until October 25, while services to Doha and Riyadh have been reduced.
- Philippine Airlines: Dubai services remain suspended until October 2.
- Air France: Riyadh flights are suspended until August 14, while services to Dubai and Beirut remain suspended until August 18.
- Turkish Airlines: Flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi have resumed, although services to Iran remain suspended.
- Air Canada: The airline has extended its suspension of Dubai and Tel Aviv services, with Dubai flights not expected to resume until mid-January 2027.
- Singapore Airlines: The resumption of Dubai flights has been pushed back to October 24.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also extended its conflict-zone advisory covering Gulf airspace until August 31, citing risks associated with missile and drone activity.
What UAE travellers should do today
- Check your flight status before leaving home.
- Monitor updates through your airline’s website or app.
- Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if advised by your airline.
- Allow additional time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration.
- Keep your passport, Emirates ID and boarding pass easily accessible.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Make sure your contact details are up to date so you can receive airline alerts.
- Be prepared for last-minute schedule changes or cancellations.
Guidance for UAE passengers
Most UAE flights continue to operate, but cancellations and schedule changes remain concentrated on selected Bahrain and Kuwait routes, while wider regional services continue to be affected by the broader security situation.
For UAE travellers heading to India, heightened airport security ahead of Independence Day on August 15 is an additional consideration. Passengers should allow extra time at Indian airports and check with their airline for the latest updates before setting out.
