Flying from UAE today? Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia flights face fresh changes
Dubai airports prepare for heavier traffic as summer travel winds down
DUBAI – Travellers flying from the UAE should check their flight status before leaving for the airport, as Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia continue to operate most services while reporting cancellations and delays on selected routes.
Several flights connecting the UAE with Bahrain, Kuwait and other destinations remain affected, while international airlines continue to review their Middle East operations.
The latest changes come as regional security concerns persist and airlines continue assessing routes and operating conditions. With Dubai also approaching the end of the summer travel period, passengers can expect busier airports and are being urged to allow additional time for their journeys.
Strait remains in focus
Developments around the Strait of Hormuz remain a key concern for Gulf transport and aviation.
US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper said the waterway had been cleared of mines allegedly laid by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. The operation, according to US officials, involved more than 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft and supported the movement of more than 1,500 vessels carrying around 750 million barrels of oil.
Despite the reported mine-clearing operation, commercial traffic through the strategic waterway remains below normal levels.
Diplomatic activity is also continuing. Qatar's Prime Minister met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran as efforts continue to reduce tensions, while Washington has indicated that further economic pressure on Iran could follow.
For UAE travellers, any deterioration in the situation could have implications for regional routes and flight operations.
Etihad
Etihad Airways continues to operate services between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, with several flights showing normal operations.
EY647 has arrived, while EY641 and EY645 are scheduled.
On the Abu Dhabi-Kuwait route, EY653 has departed.
Etihad has also reported disruption involving its Sochi service. EY857 from Abu Dhabi to Sochi diverted to Istanbul on August 26 after Sochi airport was closed. The return EY858 was subsequently delayed.
Passengers should check their individual booking before travelling, as operational conditions can change quickly.
Emirates
Emirates is reporting a combination of scheduled services and cancellations.
On the Dubai-Bahrain route:
- EK835: Cancelled
- EK837: Cancelled
- EK839: Scheduled
The Dubai-Kuwait EK857 service is scheduled.
Elsewhere, EK009 from Dubai to London Gatwick has been delayed.
Passengers are advised to check Emirates' latest flight information before setting off for Dubai International Airport.
flydubai
flydubai has reported a cancellation on one of its services.
- FZ041: Dubai-Muscat, cancelled
The airline continues to advise passengers departing Dubai to arrive at least four hours before departure. Travellers should also complete online check-in where available and confirm their flight status before heading to the airport.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has cancelled several 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 booking directly with Air Arabia for any further changes.
Other Dubai flights affected
Additional services at Dubai International Airport are also showing delays or cancellations.
- KQ311: Dubai-Nairobi, cancelled
- SG5156: Dubai-Amritsar, cancelled
- SG5023: Dubai-Mumbai, delayed
- WY604: Dubai-Muscat, delayed
- PK284: Dubai-Peshawar, delayed
- IX748: Dubai-Kannur, delayed
The status of individual flights can change, making a final check shortly before departure essential.
International carriers
Several international airlines continue to operate reduced schedules to Dubai and other destinations across the Middle East.
Current suspension timelines include:
- Air Canada: Dubai services 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 services suspended until September 13.
- Turkish Airlines: Dubai and Abu Dhabi services have resumed, while Iran services remain suspended.
The differing restart dates reflect individual airline assessments of security and operating conditions.
Dubai prepares for busier airports
Dubai is also preparing for increased passenger traffic as the summer holiday season comes to an end.
Authorities are strengthening operational readiness at airport platforms and checkpoints as residents and visitors return to the emirate.
Travellers should factor in additional time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration, particularly during peak departure periods.
What UAE travellers should do
Passengers flying from the UAE should:
- Check their specific flight status before leaving home.
- Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if advised.
- Allow at least four hours when departing Dubai on flydubai.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Allow extra time for traffic and airport procedures.
- Keep contact details updated with the airline.
- Monitor airline and airport apps for disruption alerts.
- Be prepared for last-minute cancellations, delays or schedule changes.