Regional tensions continue to disrupt some flights as airlines review schedules and routes.
Dubai: Flying from the UAE today? Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia are operating a mix of scheduled services and cancellations, while several international carriers continue to suspend flights to Dubai amid the ongoing regional security situation.
Some routes from Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain operational, but individual flights may still be cancelled, delayed or diverted. Airlines are also continuing to review their Middle East schedules as tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict remain high.
For passengers, the message is clear: check your individual flight status before setting out for the airport, even if your route is showing as scheduled.
Flight operations across the UAE have largely stabilised, but disruption has not ended. Travellers flying today should continue to check directly with their airline for the latest updates, as schedules can change at short notice.
The resumption of Air France services to Dubai and Riyadh signals a gradual recovery in international flight capacity, although several global carriers continue to suspend selected routes across the Middle East.
Latest regional developments
Regional tensions remain elevated despite ongoing efforts to keep key shipping routes open.
US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper said the Strait of Hormuz had been cleared of mines laid by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, describing the operation as a significant step towards keeping vital oil shipping lanes open.
The operation supported the movement of more than 1,500 vessels carrying about 750 million barrels of oil, involving more than 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft.
However, commercial traffic through the strait remains below normal levels, while the broader security situation continues to create uncertainty for airlines operating across and around the Gulf.
In Tehran, Qatar’s Prime Minister met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday as diplomatic efforts continued, while Washington signalled a tougher stance, including the possibility of sanctions against Chinese banks over their dealings with Iran.
For UAE travellers, developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remain significant, as any further escalation could disrupt regional transport and affect airline operations.
UAE airline updates
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways said flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain are largely operating as scheduled, although some individual services have been affected.
- EY647 has arrived.
- EY641 is scheduled to operate.
- EY645 is scheduled to operate.
- EY653, operating from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait, has departed.
- EY857, the Abu Dhabi-Sochi service on August 26, was diverted to Istanbul following the closure of Sochi airport.
- The return EY858 service from Sochi to Abu Dhabi was subsequently delayed.
Etihad advises passengers to check their individual flight status before travelling, as schedules may change at short notice.
Emirates
Emirates is also operating a mix of scheduled services and cancellations.
Dubai-Bahrain:
- EK835 — cancelled
- EK837 — cancelled
- EK839 — scheduled
Dubai-Kuwait:
- EK857 — scheduled
Dubai to London Gatwick
- EK009 — delayed
Passengers are advised to check Emirates’ latest official updates before travelling.
flydubai
- FZ041 — Dubai to Muscat: cancelled
flydubai advises passengers departing from Dubai to arrive at least four hours before their scheduled departure, complete online check-in where available, and check their flight status before travelling.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has cancelled several services from the UAE:
- G9068 — Sharjah to Kuwait
- G9124 — Sharjah to Kuwait
- G9107 — Sharjah to Bahrain
- 3L020 — Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
Passengers should check their booking details and the latest updates from their airline before heading to the airport.
Other flight disruptions
Several other services listed at Dubai International Airport have also been delayed or cancelled:
- KQ311 — Dubai to Nairobi: cancelled
- SG5156 — Dubai to Amritsar: cancelled
- SG5023 — Dubai to Mumbai: delayed
- WY604 — Dubai to Muscat: delayed
- PK284 — Dubai to Peshawar: delayed
- IX748 — Dubai to Kannur: delayed
International airlines
Several international carriers continue to adjust their Middle East operations amid the ongoing 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: Dubai services suspended until October 24.
- KLM: Services to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam suspended until September 6.
- Philippine Airlines: Dubai services suspended until October 2.
- Lufthansa and Swiss: Dubai services suspended until September 13.
- Turkish Airlines: Services to Abu Dhabi and Dubai have resumed, while flights to Iran remain suspended.
The varying suspension periods highlight how airlines are assessing their Middle East operations individually, with schedules subject to change based on each carrier’s assessment of the security and operating environment.
Why flights are changing
The ongoing regional security situation is prompting airlines to continually reassess routes, schedules and aircraft operations.
Developments around the Strait of Hormuz are adding to the uncertainty, with restrictions on shipping contributing to wider concerns across the region.
As a result, a flight listed as scheduled can still face a last-minute delay, diversion or cancellation depending on how the situation develops.
For passengers, the most reliable source of information is therefore the status of their specific flight number, rather than simply checking whether the route itself is operating.
DXB gets busier
UAE travellers also need to factor in another development: Dubai’s airports are getting busier as the summer travel season draws to a close.
Dubai authorities are stepping up operational readiness across airport facilities and checkpoints as residents and visitors return from their summer holidays.
Passengers travelling through Dubai should allow extra time for road traffic, check-in, security and immigration, particularly during peak departure periods.
Traveller checklist
If you are flying from the UAE today:
- Check your flight: Look up your specific flight number before leaving home, even if it was previously confirmed.
- Arrive early: Allow at least three hours before departure, or earlier if your airline recommends it.
- Flying flydubai? Allow at least four hours when departing Dubai, in line with the airline’s guidance.
- Check in online: Complete online check-in where available to save time at the airport.
- Allow extra time: Factor in traffic, check-in, security and immigration queues.
- Keep your contact details updated: Make sure the airline has your latest phone number and email address so you can receive disruption alerts.
- Expect changes: Delays, cancellations, diversions and schedule changes can occur at short notice.
- Use official channels: Check your airline’s and airport’s latest updates before setting out.
