Emirates and flydubai have not announced any major changes to their schedules and continue to operate as normal. The disruptions come as tensions across the Middle East remain elevated, though commercial aviation across the UAE is largely operating normally, with airlines continuing to monitor the regional security situation.
Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Bahrain (BAH), as well as EY653 (Abu Dhabi–Kuwait) and EY654 (Kuwait–Abu Dhabi). The airline apologised for the disruption and said its teams are assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements. Air Arabia has cancelled G9068 and G9124 (both Sharjah–Kuwait), G9107 (Sharjah–Bahrain), G9195 (Sharjah–Abha) and 3L020 (Abu Dhabi–Kuwait), with passengers advised to check the airline’s website or contact customer service before travelling to the airport.
Saudia said all cancellations and schedule changes have now 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 carriers continue to suspend or reduce services across the Gulf. 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 have suspended Dubai services until October 24.
Lufthansa and Swiss will not resume Dubai flights until September 13, with other Middle East routes suspended until late October. Aegean Airlines and Air Astana have extended Dubai suspensions until August 31, and KLM has suspended Dubai services until August 23. Philippine Airlines continues to suspend Dubai flights until October 2, though Manila–Doha services have resumed. Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi but continues to suspend services to Iran, while Wizz Air expects to resume Dubai and Abu Dhabi services during September.
Because airlines are avoiding parts of the region’s airspace over security concerns, passengers may face flight times extended by one to three hours due to longer routings, last-minute cancellations or schedule changes, longer connection times at transit airports, and delays in baggage delivery.
The disruptions follow renewed hostilities despite ongoing negotiations. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the US and Iran have continued exchanging airstrikes even as peace talks proceed. On Thursday, July 30, Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on a US base in Jordan that killed one worker, while a building in Kuwait was also struck. Since a ceasefire agreement signed in June collapsed, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain have all come under missile and drone attack, along with Jordan.The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its conflict-zone advisory covering Gulf airspace until August 31, urging airlines to exercise caution given the risk from missile and drone activity. An earlier EASA bulletin issued July 14 warned that “the possible use of missiles, drones, combat aircraft and air-defence systems creates a high risk to civil flights at all altitudes and flight levels within the concerned airspace.”
Multiple governments have issued advisories of their own. The US Department of State has told travellers to prepare for flight cancellations, airspace closures and other disruptions. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has said the security situation remains unpredictable and urged travellers to monitor official updates. Canada continues to advise against non-essential travel to the UAE over the risk of renewed missile or drone activity affecting flights, while Australia has advised citizens in the region to consider leaving while commercial flights remain available, provided it is safe to do so.
Passengers flying from the UAE are advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, monitor their airline’s website or app for updates, ensure their airline has their current contact details, allow extra time for their journey, and follow official guidance from the country’s authorities if travelling overseas.
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