Emirates and flydubai have not reported significant alterations to their schedules and are operating as usual. These disruptions occur amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, although commercial aviation in the UAE is generally functioning normally, with airlines keeping a close watch on the regional security landscape.
Etihad Airways has halted flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Bahrain (BAH), along with EY653 (Abu Dhabi–Kuwait) and EY654 (Kuwait–Abu Dhabi). The airline expressed regret for the disruption and stated that its teams are helping affected passengers with alternative travel options. Air Arabia has canceled G9068 and G9124 (both Sharjah–Kuwait), G9107 (Sharjah–Bahrain), G9195 (Sharjah–Abha), and 3L020 (Abu Dhabi–Kuwait), advising passengers to review the airline’s website or contact customer service before heading to the airport.
Saudia confirmed that all cancellations and schedule adjustments have now been reflected in its reservation system through the end of October 2026, while Qatar Airways continues to suspend passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil, and Kuwait until July 31.
Several international airlines are still either suspending or scaling back services across 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 suspended their Dubai operations until October 24.
Lufthansa and Swiss will not resume flights to Dubai until September 13, with other routes in the Middle East remaining suspended until late October. Aegean Airlines and Air Astana have prolonged their Dubai suspensions until August 31, while KLM has suspended its Dubai services until August 23. Philippine Airlines continues to suspend flights to Dubai until October 2, although it has reinstated services from Manila to Doha. Turkish Airlines has resumed operations to Dubai and Abu Dhabi but is still suspending flights to Iran, while Wizz Air anticipates resuming services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in September.
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As airlines are avoiding certain parts of the region’s airspace due to security issues, passengers may experience extended flight durations of one to three hours because of longer routes, last-minute cancellations or schedule changes, increased connection times at transit airports, and delays in baggage delivery.
The disruptions have occurred amidst renewed hostilities, despite ongoing negotiations. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the US and Iran have resumed exchanging airstrikes while peace talks continue. On Thursday, July 30, Iran conducted a ballistic missile attack on a US base in Jordan, resulting in one death, while a building in Kuwait was also targeted. Since a ceasefire agreement struck in June faltered, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain have faced missile and drone attacks, along with Jordan. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its conflict-zone advisory regarding Gulf airspace until August 31, urging airlines to exercise caution due to the threat posed by missile and drone activities. An earlier EASA bulletin dated July 14 cautioned 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.”
Numerous governments have issued their own advisories. The US Department of State has warned travelers to stay prepared for flight cancellations, airspace closures, and other disruptions. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office noted that the security situation remains unpredictable and has encouraged travelers to keep an eye on official updates. Canada continues to advise against non-essential travel to the UAE, citing the risk of renewed missile or drone activity affecting flights, whereas Australia has suggested that its citizens in the region consider leaving while commercial flights are still available, provided it is safe to do so.
Passengers departing from the UAE are encouraged to verify their flight status before heading to the airport, monitor their airline’s website or app for updates, ensure their airline has their most current contact information, allow extra time for their journey, and adhere to official guidance from the country’s authorities when traveling abroad.
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