DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Travelers flying from the UAE are facing another round of flight changes this weekend, with cancellations on Saudi routes, delays on some long-haul services and fresh airline advisories across the region.
Flights to and from Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia were suspended for a fourth straight day on Friday, affecting some travel between the UAE and the Kingdom. Passengers on routes linking Dubai and Sharjah to Abha were being urged to check flight status before leaving for the airport.
The airport remains partly open, with several domestic services continuing to operate. However, flights involving the UAE have been among the routes most affected as regional disruptions continue.
Etihad Airways said its Abu Dhabi-Toronto service, EY21, was delayed on Friday for operational reasons, which also pushed back the return flight, EY22. The airline said it was working to assist passengers and reduce disruption. A separate Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow was also delayed earlier in the week because of technical issues.
Saudi Arabia travel remains sensitive in areas near the Yemen border, where several countries, including Canada, the U.K. and the U.S., continue to advise caution because of the risk of missile and drone attacks.
The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also updated its advice for the Middle East, warning that despite a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, the security picture remains unpredictable and could deteriorate quickly. British travelers were advised to monitor local developments and keep plans under review.
For passengers heading to India, UAE-based travelers are being told to complete Air Suvidha 2.0, the digital health declaration, before boarding. The form can be submitted up to 24 hours before arrival and must be shown on arrival, with no paper copy needed.
Airlines across the Gulf and beyond are still adjusting capacity, rebooking rules and suspension lists as summer demand overlaps with regional uncertainty.
Emirates said it was operating without major cancellations or delays and expected heavy passenger traffic during the summer peak. Flydubai has increased operations and is advising passengers to check in online and arrive at Dubai International Airport four hours before departure. Air Arabia has expanded flights from Sharjah and other UAE airports while adding European routes.
Qatar Airways continues to expand its network and has increased Doha-Dubai service to five daily flights. Oman Air and SalamAir have added extra capacity on domestic summer routes, while Gulf Air is restoring its network as Bahrain’s airspace reopens.
Among international carriers, Air Canada, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific have all adjusted Middle East schedules, with some suspensions running into August or later. British Airways has extended flexible booking options for passengers on several Middle East routes, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Jeddah and Riyadh.
Indian carriers continue to operate Gulf routes, though several are watching regional airspace conditions closely. Air India Express recently launched a direct service from Navi Mumbai to Abu Dhabi, while Air India has also expanded ties with Riyadh Air.
Passengers traveling this weekend are being urged to verify schedules directly with their airlines before heading to the airport, as some routes remain vulnerable to short-notice changes. Further updates are likely as carriers continue to react to shifting conditions across the Middle East and beyond.
