UAE flight update: Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and flydubai services hit by latest changes
Hormuz uncertainty keeps regional aviation under pressure
DUBAI -- UAE travellers flying today face a mixed flight picture, with most services continuing to operate while selected routes are affected by cancellations, delays and schedule changes.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and flydubai are maintaining parts of their regional networks, but passengers travelling through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah should confirm their individual flight status before setting off.
The latest disruptions come as airlines continue to assess regional security conditions, with uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz adding another layer of complexity to operations across the Gulf.
Passengers are also being advised to allow additional time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration, particularly during the busy summer travel period.
Regional tensions
The security situation remains closely linked to aviation and shipping across the Gulf.
US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with what he described as an "economic D-Day", while diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain stalled. Iran's military has also warned Gulf states against allowing their territory, airspace or waters to be used in support of US operations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern. Many shipowners continue to avoid the waterway despite Washington saying it is open, while Tehran maintains that the strait remains blocked.
The uncertainty has also affected energy markets, with Brent crude trading around $91.87 a barrel in early Asian trading.
The wider regional conflict continues to affect airlines as carriers review routes and assess the safety of operating across affected airspace.
UAE airline updates
Etihad Airways
Etihad has reported delays affecting its Pakistan services.
EY276, from Abu Dhabi to Peshawar, is delayed on August 20 because of operational reasons. The return service, EY277 from Peshawar to Abu Dhabi, is also delayed.
On the Abu Dhabi-Bahrain route, EY643 and EY644 remain scheduled to operate.
However, the following Bahrain services have been cancelled until August 21:
- EY641-EY642
- EY645-EY646
- EY647-EY648
Etihad said affected passengers are being assisted with alternative arrangements, including reaccommodation on other services.
Emirates
Emirates has reported a combination of cancellations and scheduled services between Dubai and Bahrain.
- EK835: Cancelled
- EK837: Cancelled
- EK839: Scheduled
The status of some Dubai-Kuwait services was unavailable at the latest check. Emirates said flight information for affected services would be available before departure.
The airline has also maintained flexible travel arrangements for Dubai-bound passengers, allowing eligible travellers to change their travel dates without a fee an unlimited number of times. Fare and tax differences may still apply.
flydubai
flydubai says services to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled.
However, several flights from Dubai International Airport are experiencing delays.
Affected services include:
- FZ1211 / EK2326: Dubai-Tel Aviv
- FZ909 / EK2334: Dubai-Jeddah
- FZ627: Dubai-Bodrum
Passengers flying flydubai from Dubai are advised to arrive at least four hours before departure, while all travellers should monitor the airline's latest notifications.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has cancelled several UAE-Gulf services.
The latest affected flights include:
- G9107: Sharjah-Bahrain
- G9068: Sharjah-Kuwait
- G9124: Sharjah-Kuwait
- 3L020: Abu Dhabi-Kuwait
Passengers should confirm the status of their booking before travelling to the airport.
Other UAE services have also been affected. Airblue PA111 from Dubai to Karachi and SpiceJet SG5117 from Dubai to Kochi have been cancelled.
International updates
Several international airlines continue to suspend or modify services involving Dubai and other destinations across the Middle East.
Air Canada has suspended Dubai services until mid-January 2027, while Singapore Airlines has pushed its Dubai resumption back to October 24.
British Airways continues to suspend flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman until October 25.
Scoot has suspended Singapore-Jeddah services until September 12.
Air France continues to adjust or suspend selected Dubai and Beirut services.
KLM has suspended flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai until September 6 and is avoiding Iranian, Iraqi and Israeli airspace, along with parts of the Arabian Gulf.
Turkish Airlines has resumed services to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Damascus, Beirut and Amman, while flights to Iran remain suspended.
Philippine Airlines has resumed Manila-Doha flights, although its Dubai services remain suspended until October 2.
Lufthansa and Swiss continue to suspend Dubai services until September 13, while other Middle East routes remain affected until October 24.
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation has separately reminded airlines to ensure passengers carry the documentation required to enter or leave the Kingdom and reach their final destination or transit point.
What travellers need to know
Passengers flying from the UAE should:
- Check their flight status before leaving home.
- Monitor the airline's website or app for real-time updates.
- Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if advised.
- Allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Keep contact details updated for airline notifications.
- Check entry, exit and transit requirements when travelling through another country.
- Be prepared for last-minute changes to departure times or flight schedules.
Passengers flying with flydubai from Dubai should allow at least four hours before departure.
With regional conditions continuing to evolve, travellers should rely on the latest information from their airline and airport before beginning their journey.