DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Travellers flying from the UAE should check their flight status before heading to the airport as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and flydubai continue to report cancellations, delays and schedule changes on selected routes.
The disruptions are affecting several regional services, including flights connecting the UAE with Bahrain, Kuwait and Tel Aviv, as airlines continue to review operations amid heightened security concerns across the Middle East.
Flight schedules can change at short notice, making direct confirmation with the operating airline particularly important for passengers travelling today.
Etihad cancels Tel Aviv service
Etihad Airways has cancelled flight EY608 from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi following unplanned industrial action at Ben Gurion International Airport.
Other services on the route have also been affected, including delayed flights and a service operating with limited passenger capacity.
Etihad has separately reported operational delays affecting its Abu Dhabi-Peshawar service. Passengers with disrupted bookings are advised to keep their contact details updated through the airline’s booking system so they can receive schedule notifications.
On the Abu Dhabi-Bahrain route, some Etihad services remain cancelled through Aug. 21, while other flights are operating.
Emirates reports Bahrain cancellations
Emirates has cancelled two Dubai-Bahrain services, EK835 and EK837, according to the latest information available.
Passengers travelling on Dubai-Kuwait services should check their individual booking and flight status before travelling, as some schedule information may only become available closer to departure.
Emirates flight status and travel updates
Air Arabia services affected
Air Arabia has also reported cancellations involving UAE services to Kuwait and Bahrain.
Affected flights include 3L020 from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait, G9068 and G9124 from Sharjah to Kuwait, and G9107 from Sharjah to Bahrain.
Passengers should confirm the latest status directly with Air Arabia because operating conditions and schedules can change.
flydubai continues selected Gulf services
flydubai is continuing to operate flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, while several other services have been cancelled.
The affected services listed in the latest update include flights from Dubai to Hargeisa, Entebbe, Asmara, Malé, Erbil and Doha.
The airline has advised passengers departing Dubai to arrive at least four hours before their scheduled departure, complete online check-in where available and allow additional time for the journey to Dubai International Airport.
Other flights may also face delays
Passengers travelling on some international services from Dubai are also seeing delays.
The latest update includes services operated by Pakistan International Airlines, SpiceJet and Air India Express, including routes connecting Dubai with Islamabad, Kozhikode and Kannur.
For UAE residents travelling to India, Pakistan, the Gulf and other popular destinations, checking the status of the specific flight number is essential because disruption can vary significantly between routes operated by the same airline.
Why regional flights are changing
Airlines are continuing to assess their schedules against the wider security situation in the Middle East, with some carriers suspending individual routes, changing flight paths or reducing services as conditions develop.
The situation is also affecting movement through the wider Gulf region, adding another layer of uncertainty for aviation and shipping operators.
As a result, passengers should not rely solely on a previous confirmation. A flight that was scheduled to operate can still be delayed, cancelled or adjusted before departure.
International airlines also adjust schedules
The disruption extends beyond UAE carriers.
Several international airlines have suspended or modified Middle East services, with different carriers setting different timelines for resumption. Some services involving Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Tel Aviv, Amman and other regional destinations remain affected.
Turkish Airlines has resumed some services to destinations including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while flights to Iran remain suspended.
Lufthansa Group carriers are also operating under revised Middle East schedules, with some routes remaining suspended or on hold.
Dubai prepares for returning travellers
The latest disruption comes as Dubai prepares for increased passenger traffic following the summer travel period.
Authorities at Dubai airports have increased operational readiness as residents, visitors and citizens return to the UAE, adding to the importance of allowing extra time for airport procedures.
For passengers travelling during this period, arriving early can help account for check-in, security, immigration and possible congestion around the airport.
What UAE passengers should do today
Travellers scheduled to fly from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah should:
- Check their flight status directly with the airline before leaving home.
- Check again before travelling to the airport, even if the flight was previously confirmed.
- Arrive early, following the specific timing recommended by the airline.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Keep airline contact details updated to receive disruption alerts.
- Allow extra time for road traffic and airport procedures.
- Prepare for last-minute changes if travelling on an affected regional route.
