Peak summer travel prompts flight schedule changes; passengers advised to check for the latest updates.
Passengers travelling to and from the UAE are advised to check and confirm their flight status before arriving at the airport, as airlines continue to adjust schedules on selected regional routes.
Flight operations across UAE carriers remain largely stable; however, Etihad Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia have introduced changes to some services linking the UAE with Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Travellers are encouraged to monitor official airline channels for the latest information, as flight timings and schedules may change at short notice.
The latest schedule adjustments come as UAE airports enter one of the busiest periods of the summer travel season, with passenger numbers expected to rise as families and holidaymakers head to international destinations.
Airlines and airport authorities are urging travellers to plan ahead, arrive early, and allow additional time for check-in, security checks, and other airport procedures to avoid delays.
UAE airports advise passengers to arrive early
Passengers travelling from UAE airports are advised to take the following steps during the busy summer travel period:
- Arrive at the airport at least three hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Check flight status updates before leaving home.
- Allow additional time for traffic, check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures.
- Use online check-in and airline mobile apps where available to save time.
- Ensure contact details are updated to receive real-time flight notifications.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has also advised passengers to plan extra time for their journeys as increased summer travel demand is expected to create busier airport conditions.
Etihad cancels selected Abu Dhabi–Bahrain and Kuwait services
Etihad Airways has cancelled selected flights between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Bahrain International Airport (BAH) due to operational reasons.
The airline has also cancelled flights EY653 and EY654 operating between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait International Airport (KWI).
Etihad said its teams are supporting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements and advised travellers to keep their contact details updated to receive flight notifications via SMS or email.
Emirates adjusts selected Bahrain and Kuwait services
Emirates continues to operate its flight network, although some services between Dubai, Bahrain, and Kuwait have been affected due to schedule adjustments.
Affected services include flights operating between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Kuwait International Airport (KWI), including:
- EK853
- EK855
- EK857
- EK859
Passengers travelling on affected routes are advised to check the latest flight information through Emirates’ official channels before heading to the airport.
Emirates adjusts additional Bahrain and Kuwait services
Emirates has also made adjustments to selected flights operating between Dubai, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Affected Kuwait–Dubai services include:
- EK854
- EK856
- EK858
- EK860
Affected Dubai–Bahrain services include:
- EK835
- EK837
- EK839
Affected Bahrain–Dubai services include:
- EK836
- EK838
- EK840
Passengers are advised to check the latest flight updates through Emirates’ official channels before travelling.
Air Arabia updates UAE–Gulf flights
Air Arabia has announced changes affecting selected flights operating on August 3, with passengers advised to review the latest schedule updates before departure.
Air Arabia updates Abu Dhabi–Kuwait and Abu Dhabi–Bahrain services
Air Arabia has announced changes affecting selected UAE–Gulf flights on August 3.
Abu Dhabi – Kuwait
- 3L020: Cancelled
- 3L022: Not yet departed
Kuwait – Abu Dhabi
- 3L021: Cancelled
- 3L023: Not yet departed
Abu Dhabi – Bahrain
- 3L015: Not yet departed
- 3L017: Not yet departed
Bahrain – Abu Dhabi
- Further updates are expected, and passengers are advised to check the latest flight status through Air Arabia’s official channels before travelling.
Air Arabia updates additional UAE–Gulf flight services
Air Arabia has announced further changes affecting selected flights on August 3, including cancellations, updated timings, and services that have not yet departed.
Bahrain – Abu Dhabi
- 3L016: Not yet departed
- 3L018: Not yet departed
Sharjah – Kuwait
- G9068: Cancelled
- G9124: Cancelled
- G9121: Not yet departed
Kuwait – Sharjah
- G9069: Cancelled
- G9125: Cancelled
- G9122: Not yet departed
Sharjah – Bahrain
- G9107: Cancelled
- G9101: Flight time updated
- G9103: Not yet departed
- G9105: Not yet departed
Passengers are advised to check Air Arabia’s official channels for the latest flight status updates before travelling, as schedules may change at short notice.
Air Arabia updates Bahrain and Saudi Arabia services
Air Arabia has announced further changes affecting selected flights, including cancellations and updated timings.
Bahrain – Sharjah
- G9108: Cancelled
- G9102: Flight time updated
- G9104: Not yet departed
- G9106: Not yet departed
Flights between Sharjah and Abha have also been cancelled.
flydubai flights operating normally
flydubai has not announced major changes to its flight schedule and continues to operate services as normal.
The airline has advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling, complete online check-in where available, and allow additional time to reach the airport due to increased passenger traffic during the peak summer travel period.
International airlines adjust Gulf services
Several international airlines have also suspended or modified selected UAE and regional routes, with travellers advised to monitor airline updates before departure.
International airlines adjust Gulf services
Several international airlines have announced changes to UAE and regional flight operations, including delays, suspensions, and schedule adjustments.
Latest updates include:
- Oman Air: Some flights have been delayed due to airspace restrictions, with affected passengers to be contacted directly.
- IndiGo: Passengers have been advised to expect possible schedule changes and check flight status before travelling.
- Saudia: The airline has updated some cancellations and schedule changes, with passengers advised to check booking channels.
- Qatar Airways: Extended suspension of flights to Bahrain, Erbil, and Kuwait.
- British Airways: Suspended flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Amman, and Tel Aviv until October 31.
- Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, and ITA Airways: Suspended Dubai services until October 24.
- Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines: Dubai flight suspensions extended until September 13.
- Aegean Airlines and Air Astana: Extended Dubai service suspensions until August 31.
- KLM: Suspended Dubai services until August 23.
- Philippine Airlines: Continues to suspend Dubai flights until October 2, while Manila–Doha services have resumed.
- Turkish Airlines: Resumed flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi but continues to suspend services to Iran.
- Wizz Air: Expects to resume Dubai and Abu Dhabi services in September.
Why flights may be delayed
Airlines are adjusting routes and rerouting some services to avoid affected airspace, which may result in:
- Longer flight durations.
- Schedule changes or cancellations.
- Extended connection times.
- Possible baggage delays.
Travel advice for UAE passengers
Travellers are advised to:
- Check flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Follow updates through official airline websites and mobile apps.
- Ensure contact details are updated to receive notifications.
- Arrive early, especially during peak travel periods.
- Monitor official travel advisories before international journeys.
Airlines and aviation authorities continue to monitor regional developments and will provide further updates if additional operational changes are required.
