UAE flight cancellations today: Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia adjust schedules amid regional tensions

Regional security situation

Travellers departing from the UAE today should verify their flight status before heading to the airport, as Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia continue to adjust schedules in response to airspace restrictions and operational challenges across the Gulf region.

While the majority of flights are operating normally, several services to Bahrain, Kuwait, Dammam and other Gulf destinations remain cancelled or delayed as airlines work to maintain schedule reliability amid evolving security conditions.

The disruptions stem from ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that normally handles approximately 25% of the world's seaborne oil trade and 20% of global liquefied natural gas exports. Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions are advancing, with Iran and Oman reporting progress on a new shipping framework for the strategic waterway, while Qatar has indicated that mediators are circulating draft language for a broader agreement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has identified reopening the Strait of Hormuz as an immediate priority, even as the US Navy maintains restrictions on Iranian maritime traffic.

Emirates cancellations

Emirates has cancelled eight flights from Dubai, affecting services to Bahrain, Kuwait and Dammam. The cancelled flights are EK823 to Dammam, EK835, EK837 and EK839 to Bahrain, and EK853, EK855, EK857 and EK859 to Kuwait. The airline, which operates approximately 260 aircraft including around 116 Airbus A380s, has advised passengers to check the latest flight status through official channels before travelling.

Etihad Airways suspensions

Etihad continues to suspend selected services due to operational reasons. Cancelled flights include all services between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, as well as flights EY653 from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait and EY654 from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi. The airline has not indicated when Kuwait and Bahrain services will resume and is assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements.

flydubai and Air Arabia adjustments

flydubai has cancelled three flights: FZ711A to Tbilisi, FZ811A to Abha and FZ033 to Salalah. Air Arabia has suspended several services from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, including flights G9068 and G9124 to Kuwait, G9107 to Bahrain, G9195 to Abha, G9081 and G9138 to Doha, and 3L020 from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait.

Regional airline operations

Qatar Airways has extended the temporary suspension of passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait until August 7. Oman Air reports that technical issues, combined with temporary restrictions on certain air routes, continue to affect parts of its network, resulting in delays and cancellations. The airline is contacting affected passengers through WhatsApp, SMS and email, with some travellers being rebooked onto other airlines where possible.

Jazeera Airways has advised passengers to arrive at the airport no more than three hours before their revised departure time, while Saudia continues to review operations to improve schedule reliability.

International travel advisories

International authorities continue to urge caution. The US Department of State has issued a worldwide security advisory, urging Americans to exercise increased caution due to heightened tensions in the Middle East. The advisory warns that travellers in the region should be prepared for flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has extended its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin until August 31, advising EU airlines not to operate in the airspace of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, as well as parts of the Gulf of Oman. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office continues to advise travellers to monitor official updates before travelling to the Middle East.

International carrier suspensions

Several international airlines have extended flight suspensions to Gulf destinations. Air France has suspended flights to and from Dubai and Beirut until August 18, while services to Riyadh are suspended until August 14. The Lufthansa Group has suspended flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Riyadh, Doha and Dammam until October 24.

British Airways is offering customers travelling to several Middle East destinations the option to change travel dates or claim refunds under its flexible booking policy, with the waiver currently applying to eligible bookings through October 31. Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and ITA Airways continue to suspend services to Dubai. Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, although services to Iran remain suspended.

Impact on Dubai International Airport

The disruptions have significantly affected traffic at Dubai International Airport, one of the world's most globally connected hubs. By the end of 2025, the airport was connected to 291 destinations across 110 countries, served by 108 international airlines. The airport had been forecast to handle 99.5 million passengers in 2026, following a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025.

However, Dubai International Airport handled 18.6 million passengers in the first quarter of 2026, down 20.6% year-on-year. March 2026 was particularly affected, with just 2.5 million passengers, down 65.7% from the previous year. Although the UAE lifted precautionary restrictions on its airspace in late April 2026, with operations returning to normal capacity, airlines continue to operate cautiously as they assess ongoing regional developments.

Causes of disruptions

Airlines have been rerouting aircraft to avoid conflict zones, leading to longer flight times, changes to crew scheduling and aircraft rotations, and occasional cancellations. Technical issues and operational adjustments at some regional airlines have added to the disruption. Carriers continue to review their schedules daily as the regional situation evolves.

Passenger advice

UAE airports are advising passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure, check flight status before leaving home, and allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration. Travellers are encouraged to use online check-in and airline mobile apps where available, and to keep contact details updated to receive real-time flight notifications.

Dubai International Airport has reminded passengers to allow extra time for their journeys as summer travel demand remains high. For travellers heading to destinations across the Gulf and wider Middle East, the safest approach remains checking directly with their airline for the latest updates before setting off for the airport, as schedules continue to change at short notice.