UAE travel update: Check latest Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Gulf Air flight cancellations
International carriers continue to adjust Middle East schedules
DUBAI – UAE airports continue to operate at near-normal levels despite renewed military tensions in the Middle East, with airlines maintaining most scheduled services while selected regional routes remain suspended or cancelled.
Travellers flying to and from the UAE on Thursday are being advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport as airlines continue to monitor the evolving security situation and make operational adjustments where necessary.
The latest escalation follows retaliatory US strikes on Iranian targets after Tehran launched an attack on a military base hosting American troops in Jordan. Explosions were reported in several parts of Iran, including Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and Khuzestan province, while oil prices jumped by around 7 percent amid renewed concerns over global energy supplies.
Travel agents have also reported that higher fuel prices are beginning to affect travel demand, with some passengers delaying bookings in anticipation of lower airfares.
Despite the regional developments, Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and other airports across the UAE remain fully operational, although airlines continue to revise schedules on selected Gulf routes.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways continues to operate the vast majority of its international network, although several regional services remain suspended.
Flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain continue to be cancelled for operational reasons, with the airline yet to announce a date for the resumption of services.
The carrier has also cancelled flights EY653 from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait and EY654 from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi.
Separately, Etihad confirmed that flight EY047 from Abu Dhabi to Dublin returned shortly after take-off on July 29 because of a technical issue. The airline said passengers later continued their journey on an alternative aircraft the same evening.
Customers are advised to keep their contact information updated to receive the latest travel notifications via SMS or email.
flydubai
flydubai continues to maintain limited schedule adjustments on its Saudi Arabia network.
The airline has cancelled:
- FZ815 from Dubai to Abha
- FZ811 from Dubai to Abha
Passengers travelling on affected routes are encouraged to check the latest flight information through the airline's website or mobile application before heading to the airport.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has also maintained cancellations on selected regional routes from Sharjah.
The affected services include:
- G9124 Sharjah-Kuwait
- G9068 Sharjah-Kuwait
- G9107 Sharjah-Bahrain
- G9195 Sharjah-Abha
Passengers are advised to verify the latest schedule before travelling as operational changes remain possible.
Gulf Air
Bahrain's national carrier has also suspended several services between Dubai and Bahrain.
The cancelled flights include:
- GF505 Dubai-Bahrain
- GF509 Dubai-Bahrain
- GF504 Bahrain-Dubai
- GF508 Bahrain-Dubai
Passengers travelling with Gulf Air are advised to contact the airline regarding alternative arrangements or updated schedules.
Other airlines
Saudia has confirmed that all flight cancellations and schedule revisions have now been incorporated into its reservation system through the end of October 2026, allowing passengers to view the latest flight information before booking or travelling.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways continues to suspend passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait until and including July 31, while monitoring developments across the region.
International carriers
Security concerns continue to affect operations by several international airlines serving the Gulf.
Among the latest measures:
- British Airways has suspended flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv until October 31.
- Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and ITA Airways continue to suspend Dubai services until October 24.
- Lufthansa and Swiss have suspended Dubai flights until September 13, while several other Middle East routes remain suspended until late October.
- Aegean Airlines and Air Astana have extended Dubai flight suspensions until August 31.
- KLM has suspended Dubai services until August 23.
- Philippine Airlines continues to suspend Dubai flights until October 2, although Manila-Doha services have resumed.
- Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi but continues to suspend services to Iran.
- Wizz Air expects to resume Dubai and Abu Dhabi services during September.
Passengers holding bookings with affected airlines should contact their carrier regarding refunds, rebooking options or travel waivers.
Longer journeys
Although airports across the UAE remain fully operational, many airlines continue to avoid parts of regional airspace because of security concerns.
As a result, some passengers may experience flight times extended by one to three hours, last-minute schedule adjustments, longer connection times at transit airports and occasional baggage delays.
Airlines say these operational changes are being made to prioritise passenger and crew safety while closely monitoring developments.
Passengers travelling from the UAE today are encouraged to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, monitor airline websites or mobile applications for the latest updates, ensure their airline has their current contact details and allow extra time for their journey.
Travel advisories
Governments and aviation authorities continue to advise caution for travel across the region.
The US Department of State has urged travellers to prepare for possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office says the security situation remains unpredictable and advises travellers to monitor official updates before departure.
Canada continues to advise against non-essential travel to the UAE, warning that renewed missile or drone activity could affect aviation.
Australia has advised its citizens in the region to consider leaving while commercial flights remain available, where it is safe to do so.
Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its conflict-zone advisory covering Gulf airspace until August 31, urging airlines to exercise extreme caution because of the risks posed by missile and drone activity, military operations and falling debris.