Several international airlines continue to suspend UAE services as regional security concerns persist.
Commuters flying from the UAE today should check their flight status before heading to the airport, as schedules remain subject to delays and cancellations amid ongoing regional security concerns. Passengers may also want to allow extra time at the airport as traffic is expected to increase with the summer travel period winding down.
Latest regional developments
The Middle East war enters another tense day as Washington warns countries to cut business ties with Iran or risk secondary sanctions. The US Treasury has expanded sanctions targeting Iran-linked sectors but has so far stopped short of imposing the threatened penalties on countries continuing to trade with Tehran.
Iran has warned of a “harsh” response to expanded US economic pressure, while China has cautioned that further sanctions could fuel tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major regional concern. Iran has blacklisted 45 tankers it accuses of violating transit rules, with the vessels facing potential fines, detention or cargo confiscation.
The International Maritime Organization has confirmed 68 incidents involving commercial vessels in the Gulf and neighbouring waters since the conflict began. The incidents have left at least 20 seafarers or port workers dead, 35 injured and one missing, according to the IMO.
Tankers accounted for around half of the reported incidents, followed by container ships and bulk carriers. The UK Maritime Trade Operations classified 47 of the incidents as attacks.
UAE airline updates
Emirates
Emirates is operating a limited number of services to Bahrain and Kuwait on Tuesday, with some flights cancelled while others remain scheduled. Current updates show EK835 and EK837 cancelled, while EK839 is scheduled.
Dubai–Bahrain:
- EK835 – cancelled
- EK837 – cancelled
- EK839 – scheduled
Dubai–Kuwait:
Etihad’s services between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain and Kuwait are mostly operating normally on Tuesday, although some flights have experienced delays. On the Bahrain route, EY647 arrived late, while EY641, EY643 and EY645 remain scheduled. EY653 to Kuwait has departed.
Abu Dhabi–Bahrain:
- EY647 – arrived late
- EY641 – scheduled
- EY643 – scheduled
- EY645 – scheduled
Passengers should check their individual flight status before travelling, as schedules can change at short notice.
- EY647 – arrived late
- EY641 – scheduled
- EY643 – scheduled
- EY645 – scheduled
Abu Dhabi–Kuwait:
- EY653 – departed
Etihad flight EY406 from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok was delayed on August 24 due to operational reasons. Passengers should nevertheless check their individual flight status before travelling, as schedules can change at short notice. Etihad provides live flight-status updates through its official channels.
flydubai
flydubai has cancelled flight FZ845 from Dubai to Riyadh.
The airline is advising passengers departing from Dubai to arrive at least four hours before departure, complete online check-in where available and check their flight status before travelling to the airport.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has cancelled several services to Kuwait and Bahrain.
- G9068 – Sharjah to Kuwait – cancelled
- G9124 – Sharjah to Kuwait – cancelled
- G9107 – Sharjah to Bahrain – cancelled
- 3L020 – Abu Dhabi to Kuwait – cancelled
Other flights
Several other flights from Dubai are also facing delays or cancellations:
- PA211 – Dubai to Islamabad – cancelled
- PA217 – Dubai to Islamabad – cancelled
- SG5158 – Dubai to Jaipur – delayed
- SG5016 – Dubai to Delhi – delayed
- SG5014 – Dubai to Mumbai – delayed
- SG5117 – Dubai to Kochi – delayed
Flight schedules can change at short notice, so passengers should check their specific flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport.
International airlines
Several international airlines continue to adjust their Middle East schedules amid ongoing regional security concerns and airspace restrictions.
Air Canada: Dubai services remain suspended until mid-January 2027.
British Airways: Services to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman remain suspended until October 25.
Singapore Airlines: Dubai services remain suspended until October 24.
KLM: Services to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam are suspended until September 6.
Philippine Airlines: Dubai services remain suspended until October 2.
Lufthansa and Swiss: Dubai services remain suspended until September 13.
Turkish Airlines: Services to Abu Dhabi and Dubai have resumed, while flights to Iran remain suspended.
These dates remain subject to further operational and security assessments.
Why flights change
The ongoing regional security situation is prompting airlines to regularly review their schedules, routes and operations. The uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is also adding to concerns for carriers operating across the Gulf.
As a result, airlines may make operational changes at short notice in response to developments. A flight listed as scheduled does not necessarily mean it will depart on time, so passengers are advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.
For passengers, checking the status of their specific flight is more important than relying on the overall route schedule, as individual services may face separate delays or cancellations.
DXB gets busier
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is entering a busier period as residents and visitors return from their summer holidays. The airport is preparing for about 3.7 million passengers during the peak return period, with average daily traffic expected to reach around 222,000.
Authorities are increasing operational readiness across airport platforms and checkpoints to manage the expected rise in passenger numbers.
Travellers should allow extra time for road traffic, check-in, security and immigration, particularly during busy departure periods. Emirates, for example, advises passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure during peak travel periods.
What travellers should do
UAE passengers flying today should:
- Check their specific flight status before leaving home, even if the service was previously confirmed.
- Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if advised by their airline.
- Allow four hours when flying from Dubai with flydubai, in line with the airline’s guidance.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration.
- Keep their contact details updated with the airline to receive disruption alerts.
- Be prepared for last-minute delays, cancellations or schedule changes.
- Follow official airline and airport channels for the latest updates.
What to watch
For UAE residents and travellers, key developments to monitor include the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, US-Iran diplomatic developments, further sanctions, oil prices and airline schedules.
Any escalation around the strategic waterway could have wider implications for regional shipping and energy markets, while airlines may continue to review and adjust their operations.
For passengers, the most important step remains simple: check your airline and airport status before setting out. A flight listed as scheduled can still be delayed or cancelled as conditions develop.
