Flying from UAE? Check latest flight cancellations and travel updates
Summer travel rush continues amid regional airspace restrictions
DUBAI – Air travel across the UAE continues to operate largely as normal, but passengers travelling to destinations across the Gulf are being urged to confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport as several airlines maintain cancellations and schedule changes on selected regional routes.
While Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and other airports across the country remain fully operational, airlines continue to adjust services because of operational requirements and the evolving security situation in the region. Summer holiday demand has also increased passenger volumes, prompting airports to advise travellers to arrive well ahead of departure.
Fresh concerns emerged overnight after the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile near the Strait of Hormuz, while diplomatic efforts surrounding US-Iran tensions continued. Although commercial aviation remains operational, airlines are closely monitoring developments and adjusting schedules where necessary.
Emirates
Emirates continues to operate most of its network but has cancelled several services to Gulf destinations.
Dubai – Dammam
- EK823 – Cancelled
- Dubai – Bahrain
- EK835 – Cancelled
- EK837 – Cancelled
- EK839 – Cancelled
Dubai – Kuwait
- EK853 – Cancelled
- EK855 – Cancelled
- EK857 – Cancelled
- EK859 – Cancelled
The airline has advised passengers to verify the latest flight information through its official website or mobile application before travelling.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways continues to suspend selected regional services because of operational reasons.
Cancelled flights include:
Abu Dhabi – Kuwait
- EY653 – Cancelled
Kuwait – Abu Dhabi
- EY654 – Cancelled
Flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain also remain cancelled.
The airline said flights between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait remain suspended until further notice and has advised passengers to ensure their contact details are updated to receive travel notifications.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia continues to adjust services across both its Sharjah and Abu Dhabi networks.
Sharjah – Kuwait
- G9068 – Cancelled
- G9124 – Cancelled
Sharjah – Bahrain
- G9107 – Cancelled
Sharjah – Doha
- G9081 – Cancelled
- G9138 – Cancelled
Sharjah – Abha
- G9195 – Cancelled
Abu Dhabi – Kuwait
- 3L020 – Cancelled
Passengers travelling on affected routes are advised to check the latest updates through Air Arabia's website or mobile application before heading to the airport.
flydubai
flydubai has cancelled one Gulf service:
Dubai – Bahrain
- FZ027 – Cancelled
The airline has advised passengers to monitor its official website for the latest schedule updates before travelling.
Regional airlines
Several regional airlines also continue to adjust operations.
Qatar Airways has suspended passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait until August 7.
Oman Air said temporary airspace restrictions and technical issues continue to affect parts of its network, with some delays and cancellations. Affected passengers are being contacted directly and may be rebooked on alternative airlines.
Jazeera Airways has advised passengers to arrive at the airport no more than three hours before their revised departure time.
International airlines
A number of international carriers continue to maintain service changes across the Middle East.
Among the latest updates:
- Air France has suspended Dubai and Beirut services until August 18, while Riyadh flights remain suspended until August 14.
- Lufthansa Group continues to suspend flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Riyadh, Doha and Dammam until October 24.
- British Airways continues to offer flexible booking options for eligible Middle East services through October 31.
- Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and ITA Airways continue to suspend Dubai services.
- Turkish Airlines has resumed Dubai and Abu Dhabi flights but continues to suspend services to Iran.
- KLM continues to monitor the regional situation and adjust operations where required.
Travel advisories
Several international authorities continue to advise travellers to exercise caution.
The US Department of State has maintained its worldwide security advisory, warning travellers to prepare for possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and wider disruption.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin until August 31, advising European airlines not to operate within the airspace of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and parts of the Gulf of Oman.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also continues to advise travellers to monitor official updates before travelling across the region.
What travellers need to know
Although commercial aviation continues to operate across the Gulf, airlines remain cautious because of regional security concerns, changing airspace restrictions and longer routings around affected areas.
Passengers may experience:
- Longer flight times.
- Schedule changes or cancellations.
- Longer connection times.
- Delays in baggage delivery.
Passengers travelling from UAE airports are advised to:
- Arrive at least three hours before departure.
- Check flight status before leaving home.
- Allow additional time for traffic, check-in, security screening and immigration.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Keep airline contact details updated to receive notifications.
Dubai International Airport has also advised travellers to allow extra time because of heavy passenger traffic during the summer travel season.