UAE flights update: Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia services face fresh changes
Bahrain and Kuwait routes see cancellations while most flights continue operating
DUBAI – UAE air travel remains largely operational on Saturday, but passengers face a mixed picture as selected Emirates and Air Arabia services have been cancelled while other flights continue to operate as scheduled.
Etihad Airways is running services between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain and Kuwait, while Emirates has a combination of cancelled and scheduled flights on its Bahrain route. Air Arabia is reporting several cancellations and pending departures involving Kuwait and Bahrain.
The latest changes come as the summer travel rush builds at UAE airports and regional security concerns continue to affect airline planning. Passengers are advised to verify their flight status before leaving for the airport and allow additional time for the journey.
Regional tensions persist
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major focus as the US-Iran standoff continues to shape the wider regional security environment.
US President Donald Trump has described the waterway as effectively under US control and said Iran wants a deal, while Tehran has condemned fresh US sanctions and signalled a tougher military posture.
Oman and Iran are also discussing a possible return to negotiations over arrangements for passage through the Strait, potentially providing a diplomatic channel as shipping activity remains disrupted.
For airlines operating across the Gulf, developments around the strategic waterway remain an important factor when assessing routes and schedules.
Etihad
Etihad Airways is operating several Abu Dhabi-Bahrain and Abu Dhabi-Kuwait services today.
On the Abu Dhabi-Bahrain route, EY647 has arrived, while EY641, EY643 and EY645 are scheduled to operate. In the opposite direction, EY648 has arrived and EY642, EY644 and EY646 are scheduled.
Etihad's Abu Dhabi-Kuwait service EY653 and Kuwait-Abu Dhabi flight EY654 are also scheduled.
Passengers should still confirm their individual flight status before travelling, as operational conditions can change.
Emirates
Emirates is reporting a combination of cancellations and scheduled services between Dubai and Bahrain.
The latest status includes:
- EK835: Dubai-Bahrain, cancelled
- EK839: Dubai-Bahrain, scheduled to depart at 4pm from Terminal 3
- EK836: Bahrain-Dubai, cancelled
- EK838: Bahrain-Dubai, cancelled
- EK840: Bahrain-Dubai, scheduled
- EK857: Dubai-Kuwait, scheduled
- EK858: Dubai-Kuwait, scheduled
Passengers should check the latest Emirates flight information before setting off for Dubai International Airport.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has reported the largest number of changes among the UAE carriers listed in the latest updates, with several services cancelled or yet to depart.
On the Abu Dhabi-Kuwait route, 3L020 has been cancelled and 3L022 has not departed, while Kuwait-Abu Dhabi service 3L021 is cancelled and 3L023 has not departed.
For Abu Dhabi-Bahrain, 3L015 has an updated flight time and 3L017 has not departed.
Several Sharjah services are also affected. G9107 from Sharjah to Bahrain and G9108 from Bahrain to Sharjah have been cancelled. Multiple other flights on the route have yet to depart.
The Sharjah-Kuwait sector has also seen cancellations, with G9068 and G9124 cancelled and G9121 yet to depart. In the opposite direction, G9069 and G9125 are cancelled, while G9122 has not departed.
Flights G9195 from Sharjah to Abha and G9196 from Abha to Sharjah have also not departed.
flydubai
flydubai continues to operate flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, although other services across its network may be affected.
Passengers travelling from Dubai are advised to check their flight status before leaving home and arrive at least four hours before departure, in line with the airline's guidance.
Online check-in should be completed where available to reduce processing time at the airport.
Other airlines
Several international carriers continue to operate reduced Middle East networks.
Air Canada has suspended Dubai services until mid-January 2027, while British Airways has suspended flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman until October 25.
Singapore Airlines' Dubai services remain suspended until October 24. KLM has suspended Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam services until September 6, while Philippine Airlines' Dubai flights remain suspended until October 2.
Lufthansa and Swiss have suspended Dubai services until September 13. Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, although services to Iran remain suspended.
What travelers need to know
Passengers flying from the UAE should:
- Check their flight status immediately before departure.
- Review the latest airline website or app updates.
- Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if advised.
- Allow four hours when flying from Dubai on flydubai.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Keep airline contact details updated.
- Be prepared for last-minute cancellations, delays or schedule changes.