Flying from Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia flights face latest changes
Most UAE services are operating, but selected routes continue to face disruption
DUBAI – Passengers flying from the UAE should check their individual flight status before setting out, with Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and flydubai continuing to report a mix of scheduled services, delays and cancellations.
Most flights are operating across the UAE, but selected services to Bahrain, Kuwait and other regional and international destinations remain affected. Airlines continue to review their schedules as the security situation across the Middle East develops.
Dubai International Airport is also preparing for increased passenger traffic as residents and visitors return from summer holidays, making early arrival particularly important for travellers with morning and peak-hour departures.
Before travelling: Check your airline's website or app for the latest status of your flight.
Regional picture
The latest disruption comes as concerns remain around the Strait of Hormuz, following a reported tanker incident near Khasab, Oman. The vessel caught fire after being hit by an unidentified projectile, although all crew members were reported safe.
The incident is being investigated and no party has been officially blamed.
Diplomatic efforts are also continuing, with Qatar's Prime Minister travelling to Tehran for talks aimed at easing tensions and supporting a possible return to negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Iran and Oman are separately discussing arrangements linked to passage through the Strait, although no final agreement has been announced.
For airlines, the evolving situation means flight routes and schedules can be reviewed at short notice.
Emirates
Emirates is operating a number of services from Dubai, although several Bahrain flights remain cancelled.
On the Dubai-Bahrain route:
- EK835: Cancelled
- EK837: Cancelled
- EK833: Cancelled
- EK839: Scheduled
The Dubai-Kuwait service EK857 is scheduled.
Other Emirates flights have also been affected. EK109 from Dubai to Malta and EK261 from Dubai to São Paulo are delayed.
Passengers should check the latest status of their specific flight before leaving for Dubai International Airport.
Etihad
Etihad Airways continues to operate services between Abu Dhabi and several regional destinations, although some flights remain subject to changes.
EY647 from Abu Dhabi to Bahrain has arrived, while EY641 and EY645 are scheduled.
The Abu Dhabi-Kuwait service EY653 is delayed.
Etihad has also reported disruption on some international and regional services, including flights involving London and Calicut.
Passengers should monitor their booking and ensure their contact information is updated so they can receive any operational notifications.
flydubai
flydubai continues to operate a number of services to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but several other flights are facing delays or cancellations.
The latest affected services include:
- FZ1569: Dubai-Male, delayed
- FZ841: Dubai-Riyadh, delayed
- FZ8506: Dubai-Kuwait, cancelled
- FZ539: Dubai-Kathmandu, delayed
- FZ1595: Dubai-Kathmandu, delayed
- FZ1113: Dubai-Damascus, delayed
- FZ221: Dubai-Najaf, delayed
The airline advises passengers departing Dubai to arrive at least four hours before their flight, complete online check-in where available and check their status before travelling to the airport.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia is also reporting cancellations on selected UAE-Gulf services.
The affected flights include:
- G9068: Sharjah-Kuwait, cancelled
- G9124: Sharjah-Kuwait, cancelled
- G9107: Sharjah-Bahrain, cancelled
- 3L020: Abu Dhabi-Kuwait, cancelled
Passengers should check their flight number directly with the airline, as individual services can change independently of the wider route schedule.
Other airport disruption
Several other flights operating from Dubai International Airport are also experiencing changes.
Turkish Airlines TK763 from Dubai to Istanbul is delayed, while PA411 from Dubai to Lahore and IndiGo 6E1476 from Dubai to Kochi are also delayed.
SpiceJet SG5117 from Dubai to Kochi has been cancelled.
Travellers connecting through Dubai should allow additional time if their itinerary includes one of the affected services.
Air France resumes
One positive development for UAE aviation is the return of Air France's Dubai and Riyadh services.
The airline resumed flights to Dubai and Riyadh on August 26, while services to Beirut remain suspended until September 1.
Air France said the resumption remains subject to its assessment of the local security environment, which continues to evolve.
The return adds capacity to the UAE market as airlines gradually restore some services that had been disrupted during the regional crisis.
Global carrier changes
Several international airlines continue to maintain restrictions on Middle East operations.
- Air Canada: Dubai flights suspended until mid-January 2027.
- British Airways: Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman services suspended until October 25.
- Singapore Airlines: Dubai services suspended until October 24.
- KLM: Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam services suspended until September 6.
- Philippine Airlines: Dubai services suspended until October 2.
- Lufthansa and Swiss: Dubai flights suspended until September 13.
- Turkish Airlines: Dubai and Abu Dhabi services have resumed, while flights to Iran remain suspended.
Airlines can revise these dates depending on security assessments and operational conditions.
Dubai prepares for rush
Dubai authorities are strengthening operational readiness at airport platforms and checkpoints as passenger numbers rise following the summer holiday period.
The expected increase in returning residents and visitors could mean longer queues on roads leading to airports and at check-in, security and immigration facilities.
Passengers should factor this into their journey, particularly when travelling during busy departure periods.
What passengers should do
Travellers flying from the UAE should:
- Check their specific flight status immediately before leaving home.
- Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if advised.
- Allow four hours when departing Dubai on flydubai.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Leave additional time for traffic and airport formalities.
- Keep airline contact details updated.
- Monitor airline and airport apps for alerts.
- Be prepared for last-minute delays or cancellations.