Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Travellers flying from the UAE are facing continued changes to airline schedules as carriers cancel some regional services, extend route suspensions and adjust operations amid ongoing security concerns and airspace restrictions across the Middle East.
Emirates, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia have reported disruptions on selected routes to Bahrain, Kuwait and Doha, while some regional airlines have resumed services as conditions allow.
The situation remains fluid, meaning passengers should verify their flight status directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.
UAE airlines adjust schedules
Etihad has canceled services between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, along with flights EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. The Kuwait route remains suspended with no new restart date announced.
Emirates has also suspended services between Dubai and Bahrain and Dubai and Kuwait. Some other flights, including EK757 to Algiers and EK606 to Karachi, have also been affected.
Air Arabia has canceled several services involving Bahrain, Kuwait and Doha. Abu Dhabi-Kuwait operations have also been affected.
Among other services, flydubai flight FZ909 from Dubai to Jeddah has been delayed. SpiceJet flight SG5014 to Mumbai, Airblue flight PA411 to Lahore and flyadeal flight F3514 to Riyadh have been canceled, while Belavia flight B2718 to Minsk has been delayed.
Travellers should check their booking and flight number through their carrier’s official website or app before leaving for the airport.
Some regional routes resume
Not all services are being reduced.
Qatar Airways resumed passenger flights to Bahrain, Kuwait and Erbil on Aug. 8, while Jazeera Airways has resumed flights to and from Kuwait.
Oman Air has said technical issues and temporary airspace restrictions continue to affect parts of its network. Saudia is also continuing to monitor its operations.
The mixed picture reflects the differing operational decisions being made by airlines as they assess airspace, security and route conditions.
International airlines extend suspensions
Several overseas carriers are also maintaining or extending restrictions on Middle East services.
Air Canada has extended its Dubai service suspension into January 2027 and has also suspended flights to Tel Aviv. The airline has advised affected passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed operating alternative.
Singapore Airlines has moved the planned return of its Dubai service to Oct. 24. The airline has said affected customers can be rebooked or seek a refund, depending on their booking conditions. Singapore Airlines’ official advisory confirms cancellations linked to the regional geopolitical situation through Oct. 24.
British Airways has also delayed the resumption of services to several Middle Eastern destinations. Its Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman services remain suspended until Oct. 25, while operations to Doha and Riyadh have been reduced.
Philippine Airlines has resumed Manila-Doha flights but continues to suspend Dubai services until Oct. 2.
Air France has suspended services to Riyadh through Aug. 14 and to Dubai and Beirut through Aug. 18, with any resumption dependent on security assessments.
Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as several other regional destinations, while services to Iran remain suspended.
Why flights continue to change
Airlines are responding to a combination of security developments, temporary airspace restrictions and operational considerations.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has maintained conflict-zone advisories covering parts of the Middle East and Gulf region, reflecting the risks associated with ongoing military activity and the possibility of spillover effects on civil aviation.
For airlines operating through the region, this can mean rerouting aircraft, changing schedules, suspending individual services or waiting for further assessments before restoring routes.
Because conditions can change quickly, a route that is operating today may still be subject to schedule changes or cancellation later.
What UAE passengers should do
Travellers with upcoming departures should check their flight status directly with the airline before setting out for Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport or another UAE airport.
Passengers whose flights are canceled should follow the airline’s instructions on rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements rather than going to the airport without confirmation.
Airlines also recommend keeping passenger contact information up to date so operational notifications can be received promptly.
Travellers should allow additional time at the airport and monitor official airline and airport channels for the latest information.
With regional airspace conditions continuing to evolve, airlines are expected to reassess schedules and route operations as new security and aviation information becomes available.
