UAE flight disruptions continue as airlines adjust schedules amid regional tensions

Emirates resumes partial Bahrain service

Emirates has reinstated one daily flight to Bahrain, though other services to the kingdom remain suspended. Flight EK839 from Dubai to Bahrain is scheduled to depart at 4pm, while flights EK835 and EK837 have been cancelled.

The Dubai-based carrier's Kuwait flight status information was unavailable at the latest check, with the airline stating updates would be posted 24 hours before scheduled departures. Emirates is permitting eligible passengers to modify travel dates without change fees, though fare and tax differences may apply.

Etihad maintains select regional flights

Etihad Airways confirmed flights EY643 and EY644 between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain will proceed as planned. However, three service pairs—EY641-EY642, EY645-EY646 and EY647-EY648—remain cancelled through August 21.

The Abu Dhabi carrier's teams are assisting affected customers with rebooking arrangements. Flights EY653 to Kuwait and EY654 returning to Abu Dhabi are currently scheduled to operate.

Air Arabia reports multiple cancellations

Air Arabia has suspended several flights connecting UAE cities with Kuwait and Bahrain. Cancelled services include flight 3L020 from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait, flights G9068 and G9124 from Sharjah to Kuwait, and flights G9107 and G9108 between Sharjah and Bahrain.

flydubai operates as scheduled

flydubai reported its Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia services are running according to timetable, though passengers should still confirm individual flight status before departing. The airline advises arriving at Dubai International Airport at least four hours before scheduled departure during the busy summer travel period. Flight FZ909 to Jeddah experienced delays.

Regional tensions affect air operations

The schedule adjustments come as Iran has given the United States what a senior Iranian official described to Reuters as "a few weeks" to address Tehran's demands, which include $300 billion in reconstruction funds, release of frozen assets, an end to the US naval blockade, cessation of hostilities and a permanent Strait of Hormuz resolution.

The Strait has become a focal point of the crisis. Tanker traffic dropped sharply over the weekend, with only five commodity vessels crossing on Saturday and none on Sunday, compared with 31 vessels the previous weekend. Brent crude prices have risen above $91 per barrel as markets assess potential long-term disruption to global energy supplies.

Iraq has launched an investigation into an attack on the Kurdistan prime minister's office. Kurdish authorities attributed the incident to Iranian drones targeting Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's personal office and the residence of the region's security chief. No casualties were reported. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack and urged Kurdish allies to remain vigilant against what he termed "false flags."

Dubai airports prepare for travel surge

Dubai's General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs has announced enhanced operational readiness across checkpoints at Dubai airports to facilitate the return of citizens, residents and visitors following the summer holiday season. The measures aim to reduce processing times as passenger volumes increase.

International carrier suspensions extended

Multiple international airlines have prolonged their suspensions of Dubai and Middle Eastern services. Air Canada has extended Dubai suspensions until mid-January 2027, while British Airways has suspended flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman until October 25.

Singapore Airlines has postponed Dubai service resumption to October 24, and its subsidiary Scoot has suspended Singapore-Jeddah flights until September 12. KLM has suspended services to Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai until September 6 and continues avoiding Iranian, Iraqi and Israeli airspace as well as portions of the Arabian Gulf.

The Lufthansa Group has suspended multiple regional services, with Lufthansa and Swiss flights to Dubai on hold until September 13. Services to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat and Tehran are suspended until October 24. Philippine Airlines has resumed Manila-Doha flights but maintains Dubai suspension until October 2.

Additional considerations for travellers

Passengers travelling to India should allow additional airport time as enhanced security measures remain in effect at major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram until August 20. Extra screening and higher passenger volumes are expected.

For Saudi Arabia-bound travellers, the Kingdom's General Authority of Civil Aviation has instructed airlines to verify passengers possess required documentation for entry, exit and transit through the country and any connection points.

Passenger guidance

Travellers departing UAE airports should check individual flight status before leaving home, arrive at least three hours before departure—or four hours for flydubai passengers—and complete online check-in where available. Airlines recommend keeping contact details current to receive flight alerts and being prepared for last-minute schedule changes.