Emirates and flydubai have not reported any significant alterations to their schedules and continue to operate as usual. These disruptions occur amid heightened tensions throughout the Middle East, although commercial aviation in the UAE is mostly functioning normally, with airlines closely monitoring the regional security climate.
Etihad Airways has halted flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Bahrain (BAH), as well as EY653 (Abu Dhabi–Kuwait) and EY654 (Kuwait–Abu Dhabi). The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience and stated that its teams are available to assist affected passengers with alternative travel options. Air Arabia has cancelled G9068 and G9124 (both Sharjah–Kuwait), G9107 (Sharjah–Bahrain), G9195 (Sharjah–Abha), and 3L020 (Abu Dhabi–Kuwait), advising passengers to check the airline’s website or get in touch with customer service before heading to the airport.
Saudia announced that all cancellations and schedule modifications have been updated in its reservation system through the end of October 2026, while Qatar Airways’ passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil, and Kuwait remain suspended until and including July 31.
Several international airlines are continuing to suspend or curtail services throughout the Gulf. British Airways has halted flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Amman, and Tel Aviv until October 31. Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, and ITA Airways have paused their Dubai services until October 24.
Lufthansa and Swiss Airlines will not resume Dubai flights until September 13, while other Middle East routes will remain suspended until late October. Aegean Airlines and Air Astana have extended their suspensions to Dubai until August 31, and KLM has paused services until August 23. Philippine Airlines continues its suspension of Dubai flights until October 2, although Manila–Doha services have resumed. Turkish Airlines has restarted flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi but is still suspending operations to Iran, while Wizz Air plans to resume services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in September.
Also Read: US downgrades Bangladesh travel advisory to Level 2, keeps warning for Chittagong Hills, Myanmar border
As airlines avoid certain parts of the region’s airspace for security reasons, passengers may experience longer flight durations of one to three hours due to extended routings, last-minute cancellations or schedule changes, increased connection times at transit airports, and baggage delivery delays.
The disruptions follow a resurgence of hostilities despite ongoing negotiations. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry reports that the US and Iran have continued airstrikes even while peace talks are underway. On Thursday, July 30, Iran executed a ballistic missile attack on a US base in Jordan, resulting in one casualty, and a building in Kuwait was also hit. Since the collapse of a ceasefire agreement signed in June, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain have experienced missile and drone attacks, along with Jordan. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its advisory for conflict zones covering Gulf airspace until August 31, urging caution due to the threat posed by missile and drone activities. An EASA bulletin released on July 14 warned that “the potential use of missiles, drones, combat aircraft, and air-defense systems poses a high risk to civil flights at all altitudes and flight levels within the affected airspace.”
Various governments have issued their own advisories. The US Department of State has cautioned travelers to prepare for flight cancellations, airspace closures, and other disruptions. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has declared that the security situation remains unpredictable and advised travelers to keep an eye on official updates. Canada continues to recommend against non-essential travel to the UAE due to the risk of renewed missile or drone activity impacting flights, while Australia has advised its citizens in the region to consider departing while commercial flights remain accessible, provided it is safe to do so.
Passengers traveling from the UAE are encouraged to verify their flight status prior to departing for the airport, monitor their airline’s website or app for updates, ensure their airline has their most current contact information, allocate extra time for their journey, and adhere to official guidance from relevant authorities if traveling abroad.
Also Read: IRCTC launches Ganga Gaya Sangam Yatra: Check 8-day itinerary, price and what’s included
