DUBAI, UAE — Travellers flying from the UAE on Aug. 18 are being urged to verify their flight status before leaving for the airport as airlines continue adjusting selected services to Bahrain, Kuwait and other regional destinations.
Most UAE services remain operational, but cancellations, delays and schedule changes continue on some routes as carriers monitor the wider regional security situation.
The latest updates show different operating patterns among the UAE’s major airlines, with some services restored while others remain suspended.
Emirates restores one Bahrain service
Emirates has resumed one daily service between Dubai and Bahrain, while other flights on the route remain cancelled.
The airline’s listed services include:
- EK835: Dubai-Bahrain — canceled
- EK837: Dubai-Bahrain — canceled
- EK839: Dubai-Bahrain — scheduled to depart at 4 p.m.
The latest status of some Dubai-Kuwait services was not available at the time of the update. Emirates advises passengers to check their individual booking and flight status before travelling to Dubai International Airport.
Eligible passengers affected by the disruption may also be able to change their travel dates without a change fee, although differences in fares and taxes may apply.
Etihad keeps selected Bahrain and Kuwait flights
Etihad Airways continues to operate selected services between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, while several Bahrain flights remain canceled through Aug. 21.
The airline’s scheduled services include EY643 from Abu Dhabi to Bahrain and EY644 on the return route.
Flights EY641-EY642, EY645-EY646 and EY647-EY648 remain canceled until Aug. 21.
Etihad is also operating a scheduled Abu Dhabi-Kuwait service under flight numbers EY653 and EY654.
Passengers affected by cancellations are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements, according to the airline.
Air Arabia reports Gulf cancellations
Air Arabia continues to have cancellations affecting services linking the UAE with Kuwait and Bahrain.
Among the latest affected flights are:
- 3L020: Abu Dhabi-Kuwait — canceled
- G9068: Sharjah-Kuwait — canceled
- G9124: Sharjah-Kuwait — canceled
- G9107: Sharjah-Bahrain — canceled
- G9108: Bahrain-Sharjah — canceled
Passengers should check Air Arabia’s official flight information before travelling because individual services can be updated during the day.
flydubai services largely operating
flydubai says its services to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled.
However, individual flights can still be affected by operational changes. Flight FZ909 from Dubai to Jeddah is among the services reported as delayed.
The airline advises passengers departing Dubai to arrive at least four hours before their scheduled departure, particularly during the busy summer travel period.
International airlines also adjust schedules
The disruption extends beyond UAE carriers, with several international airlines continuing to modify services involving Dubai and other Middle East destinations.
British Airways has suspended selected services involving Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman, while Singapore Airlines has pushed back the planned return of its Dubai service.
Air Canada has also extended its Dubai suspension, while KLM has made changes to its Middle East network and continues to avoid several affected airspace areas.
Turkish Airlines has restored some services to destinations including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Damascus, Beirut and Amman, while flights to Iran remain suspended.
Lufthansa Group airlines have also maintained a number of regional suspensions, including selected services involving Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Travellers should rely on their airline’s latest notification rather than older schedules when planning journeys.
UAE-India passengers should allow extra time
UAE residents travelling to India are also being advised to leave additional time for airport procedures as enhanced security measures remain in place at several major Indian airports.
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are among the airports where passengers may face additional screening and higher traffic volumes.
Travellers should allow sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop, security checks and boarding, particularly during peak travel periods.
Saudi-bound travellers urged to check documents
Passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia should also confirm that their entry, exit and transit documentation is valid before departure.
Saudi aviation authorities have instructed airlines to verify that passengers meet the requirements for their destination, transit point and final journey.
This is particularly important for travellers using connecting flights, as documentation requirements can differ depending on the itinerary.
What UAE passengers should do
Travellers departing from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah should:
- Check the status of their individual flight directly with the airline before leaving home.
- Allow at least three hours for airport procedures unless their airline recommends more time.
- Follow airline guidance on arrival times; flydubai recommends four hours for Dubai departures.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Keep airline contact details updated to receive operational alerts.
- Check transit and destination entry requirements before departure.
- Avoid relying on previous flight schedules if travelling on a route affected by disruption.
Passengers can check the latest information through the official websites and apps of Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia.
With regional conditions continuing to evolve, travellers should check their flight status again shortly before departure and remain prepared for last-minute operational changes.
