UAE aviation update: Airports operate normally as carriers assess regional developments.
Dubai: A brief pause in the US-Iran conflict has ended, with renewed military escalation triggering fresh concerns across the Gulf region.
The most significant development overnight came after the United States said it had intercepted a surprise Iranian ballistic missile attack targeting one of its military bases in Jordan, raising fears that the fragile ceasefire period may have collapsed.
Despite the heightened tensions, commercial aviation in the UAE remains largely unaffected. Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and other airports across the country continue to operate normally, while airlines monitor regional airspace and make operational adjustments where required.
Travellers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as some regional routes remain suspended or cancelled due to security and operational considerations.
Latest updates
UAE airline cancellations
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has cancelled flights EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Kuwait International Airport due to operational reasons.
The airline has advised affected passengers to ensure their contact details are updated so they can receive SMS and email notifications with the latest flight information.
Separately, Etihad confirmed that flights EY575 from Abu Dhabi to Dammam and EY576 from Dammam to Abu Dhabi, scheduled for July 28, were cancelled following the temporary closure of Dammam Airport.
flydubai
flydubai has cancelled the following flight:
- FZ815 to Abha
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has cancelled the following services from Sharjah:
- G9068 to Kuwait
- G9124 to Kuwait
- G9107 to Bahrain
- G9195 to Abha
flyadeal
The Saudi low-cost carrier has cancelled the following service:
- F3512 from Dubai to Riyadh
Other airline updates
Saudia
Saudia said all cancellations and schedule changes have been updated in its booking system through the end of October 2026, allowing customers to continue making reservations.
The airline continues to advise passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport and only proceed once their flight has been confirmed.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways continues to suspend passenger services to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait until and including July 31, 2026.
Travel advisories remain in force
Although airport operations across the UAE remain stable, international aviation and government authorities continue to caution that the security situation across the Middle East remains unpredictable.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its safety advisory recommending that airlines avoid operating in the airspace over the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and parts of the Gulf of Oman until August 31 due to ongoing risks linked to military activity.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to advise British nationals travelling in the region to prepare for possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and wider travel disruptions. Travellers are encouraged to monitor airline updates, follow guidance from local authorities and regularly review their travel plans.
The US Department of State has also maintained its worldwide advisory urging Americans to exercise increased caution, warning that the security situation in the Middle East remains complex despite previous diplomatic efforts. Similar travel advisories remain in place from Canada and Australia.
Airline travel updates
| Airline | Latest update |
|---|---|
| Aegean Airlines | Dubai flights cancelled until August 31. |
| Air Astana | Dubai flights from Almaty and Astana suspended until August 31. Refunds and rebooking options available. |
| Air Canada | Toronto-Dubai flights suspended until October 24. |
| Air France | Dubai flights expected to resume July 27; Riyadh services suspended until July 24; Beirut until August 2. |
| airBaltic | Riga-Dubai services suspended. |
| British Airways | Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv services suspended until October 31. Doha and Riyadh schedules reduced. Jeddah route permanently withdrawn. |
| Cathay Pacific | Dubai flights suspended until October 24; Riyadh until October 25. |
| Finnair | Dubai flights suspended until October 24. Doha winter services also suspended. |
| ITA Airways | Dubai flights suspended until October 24. |
| KLM | Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam services suspended until August 23. |
| Lufthansa Group | Lufthansa and Swiss Dubai flights suspended until September 13. Several Middle East routes suspended until October 24. |
| Philippine Airlines | Manila-Doha services resumed; Dubai flights remain suspended until October 2. |
| Scoot | Singapore-Jeddah services suspended until August 8. |
| Singapore Airlines | Dubai flights suspended until October 24. Riyadh launch delayed until December 1. |
| Turkish Airlines | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Damascus, Beirut and Amman flights resumed. Iran services remain suspended. |
| Wizz Air | Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman services suspended, with operations expected to resume during September. |
Passengers with bookings on affected airlines should contact their carriers directly for information on refunds, rebooking options or travel waivers.
Why flights are taking longer or being cancelled
Due to airspace restrictions and security concerns in parts of the region, some international flights are being rerouted or adjusted.
Travellers may experience:
What travellers may experience
- Longer flight times: Some routes may take an additional 1–3 hours due to diversions and alternative flight paths.
- Flight cancellations: Airlines may adjust or cancel schedules based on ongoing safety assessments.
- Longer connection times: Increased demand at alternative airports could affect transfer and layover times.
- Possible baggage delays: Changes to routes and schedules may affect baggage handling and transfers.
What passengers should do today
If you are travelling from the UAE:
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Monitor your airline’s website or mobile app for the latest updates.
- Ensure your airline has your current contact details.
- Allow extra time for your journey in case of operational changes.
- Follow official travel advice issued by your country’s authorities when travelling internationally.
