DUBAI, United Arab Emitates: Air travel across the UAE is continuing largely as normal, although several airlines have cancelled or suspended selected regional flights as carriers monitor the evolving security situation in the Middle East.
Passengers travelling on Friday, July 31, are being urged to verify their flight status before leaving for the airport, particularly those flying to Bahrain, Kuwait and parts of Saudi Arabia.
Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and other UAE airports continue operating, with only a limited number of routes affected.
Etihad suspends selected services
Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, along with the following Kuwait services:
- EY653: Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
- EY654: Kuwait to Abu Dhabi
The airline said affected passengers are being contacted and offered alternative travel arrangements where available.
Air Arabia updates today’s schedule
Air Arabia has also confirmed cancellations on several regional routes, including:
- G9068: Sharjah to Kuwait
- G9124: Sharjah to Kuwait
- G9107: Sharjah to Bahrain
- G9195: Sharjah to Abha
- 3L020: Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
Passengers are advised to confirm the latest flight information through the airline before travelling to the airport.
Emirates and flydubai operating normally
As of Friday morning, Emirates and flydubai have not announced significant schedule disruptions, with flights continuing to operate according to published timetables.
Travellers are still encouraged to monitor airline notifications, as operational decisions may change depending on regional conditions.
Other airlines continue temporary suspensions
Several international carriers continue to maintain temporary suspensions or reduced operations across parts of the Gulf.
Qatar Airways has extended the suspension of passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait through July 31.
Meanwhile, airlines including British Airways, Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, KLM, ITA Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Astana and Wizz Air continue to operate revised schedules or temporary route suspensions on selected Middle East services.
Why some flights are taking longer
Although most UAE flights continue operating, airlines are avoiding portions of regional airspace as a precaution.
As a result, some passengers may experience:
- Longer flight times due to alternative routings
- Last-minute schedule adjustments
- Extended transit times
- Delays in baggage delivery on certain international connections
Travel advisories remain in place
Several governments continue to advise travellers to remain alert because of the changing security environment across the Middle East.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its conflict-zone advisory covering parts of Gulf airspace until Aug. 31, while authorities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia continue advising travellers to monitor official travel updates before departure.
Advice for passengers
Travellers flying from the UAE are advised to:
- Check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Keep airline contact details up to date to receive notifications.
- Monitor airline websites or mobile apps for schedule changes.
- Allow extra travel time in case of operational delays.
- Review official travel advisories for their destination before departure.
Passengers can access the latest flight information through their airline’s official website, while airport updates are available via Dubai Airports, Zayed International Airport, Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia.
As airlines continue reviewing regional operations, additional schedule changes may be announced if conditions evolve.
