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Bahrain, Kuwait and Doha services remain affected as airlines monitor regional security
DUBAI – Air travel from the UAE remains largely stable on Friday, with the overwhelming majority of flights operating as scheduled despite continuing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf.
While airlines are maintaining normal operations across most international destinations, services to Bahrain, Kuwait and Doha continue to face cancellations, delays and temporary schedule adjustments because of operational requirements and regional airspace restrictions.
Passengers travelling from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are advised to confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport, as airlines continue to review schedules at short notice. Airport authorities are also urging travellers to arrive early to allow sufficient time for check-in, security screening and immigration procedures during the busy summer travel period.
The security environment across the Middle East remains uncertain as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military activity. Reports of explosions near Iran's Qeshm Island close to the Strait of Hormuz have kept airlines cautious about operations in parts of the region. At the same time, diplomatic initiatives involving regional leaders are continuing in an effort to reduce tensions and safeguard shipping through one of the world's busiest energy corridors.
There are, however, signs that regional aviation is gradually recovering. Qatar Airways has announced plans to resume passenger services to Bahrain, Kuwait and Erbil from August 8, indicating that some airlines are beginning to restore suspended routes where operationally feasible.
Emirates
Emirates continues operating the vast majority of its network, although selected Gulf services remain unavailable.
Affected routes include:
- Dubai to Bahrain
- Dubai to Kuwait
Passengers travelling on these routes should verify the latest flight information through the airline before travelling to the airport.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways continues to suspend selected Gulf services.
Affected flights include:
- EY653: Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
- EY654: Kuwait to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi to Bahrain services
Although Kuwait and Bahrain flights continue to appear in the airline's reservation system, Etihad has not confirmed when full operations on these routes will resume.
flydubai
flydubai has announced limited operational changes.
Affected flights include:
- FZ027 / EK2020: Dubai to Bahrain — Cancelled
- FZ039: Dubai to Salalah — Delayed
The airline continues to operate the remainder of its network as scheduled.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia continues to adjust services from both Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
Cancelled flights include:
Sharjah departures
- G9068: Kuwait
- G9124: Kuwait
- G9107: Bahrain
- G9081: Doha
- G9138: Doha
Abu Dhabi departures
- 3L020: Kuwait
Passengers affected by cancellations are advised to monitor Air Arabia's official channels for rebooking and travel updates.
Regional airlines
Several regional carriers continue to review operations.
Qatar Airways will resume passenger services to Bahrain, Kuwait and Erbil from August 8, marking one of the first significant restorations of regional routes following weeks of disruption.
Jazeera Airways has resumed flights to and from Kuwait but continues to advise passengers not to arrive at the airport more than three hours before departure.
Oman Air says temporary airspace restrictions and operational challenges continue to affect parts of its network, while Saudia continues to review schedules and notify affected passengers of any changes.
International airlines
A number of international airlines continue to suspend or reduce Middle East services while monitoring regional security developments.
Current measures include:
- British Airways suspending selected Middle East routes until October 31.
- Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and ITA Airways suspending Dubai services until October 24.
- Lufthansa Group and Swiss suspending Dubai flights until September 13, with several regional routes remaining suspended until late October.
- Aegean Airlines and Air Astana extending Dubai suspensions until August 31.
- KLM suspending Dubai services until August 23.
- Philippine Airlines suspending Dubai services until October 2 while continuing Manila-Doha operations.
- Turkish Airlines operating Dubai and Abu Dhabi flights while maintaining the suspension of Iran services.
- Wizz Air planning to resume Dubai and Abu Dhabi operations during September.
Why some flights are taking longer
Although commercial aviation across the UAE remains largely unaffected, airlines continue to avoid certain sections of regional airspace.
As a result, passengers may experience:
- Flight times extended by one to three hours.
- Last-minute schedule adjustments or cancellations.
- Longer transit and connection times.
- Delays in baggage handling on some journeys.
Several governments continue to advise travellers to remain alert while travelling through the Middle East.
The US Department of State continues to warn of possible flight disruptions and temporary airspace closures. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises travellers to monitor official updates, while Canada and Australia continue to issue precautionary travel advice.
Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its conflict-zone advisory covering parts of Gulf airspace until August 31 because of ongoing security concerns.
What travellers should know
Passengers travelling from UAE airports are advised to:
- Check flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Monitor airline websites and mobile apps for updates.
- Keep contact details updated to receive operational notifications.
- Arrive at least three hours before departure.
- Allow extra time for check-in, security and immigration procedures.
- Follow travel advisories issued by airlines and relevant authorities.