UAE Airlines Cancel Multiple Flights to Kuwait and Bahrain Amid Regional Tensions

Etihad Airways Suspends Key Regional Services

Passengers travelling to and from the UAE on Saturday face disruptions as major airlines continue to cancel flights on regional routes, with services to Kuwait and Bahrain particularly affected by ongoing operational challenges linked to regional security conditions.

Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia have all announced cancellations and schedule changes affecting routes between the UAE and neighbouring countries. While UAE airports remain operational, airlines are urging travellers to verify their flight status, maintain contact with carriers and allow additional time for airport procedures.

Etihad Airways Suspends Key Regional Services

Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport and several destinations through July 26. Services between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain International Airport remain suspended from July 23 to July 25, while flights EY653 to Kuwait and EY654 returning to Abu Dhabi have been cancelled until July 26.

The airline has advised affected passengers to update their contact information to receive travel notifications via SMS or email.

Emirates Extends Cancellations Through Weekend

Emirates has extended flight cancellations on multiple routes through July 26. Four Dubai-Kuwait services in each direction (EK853, EK855, EK857, EK859 and their return flights) will not operate on both July 25 and July 26.

Flights between Dubai and Bahrain face similar disruptions, with three services in each direction cancelled on July 25, including EK835, EK837 and EK839 from Dubai, along with their return flights. On July 26, flights EK836, EK838 and EK840 in both directions remain cancelled.

Services to Jordan show mixed operations, with flight EK905 to Amman cancelled on July 25 while EK903 continues as scheduled. On July 26, the return flight EK906 from Amman has been cancelled.

Emirates has instructed passengers to verify their flight status before departure and arrive at Dubai International Airport at least three hours prior to scheduled departure times.

flydubai Adjusts Bahrain Schedule

flydubai reported schedule changes affecting services between Dubai and Bahrain on July 25. While several flights including FZ023, FZ021 and FZ027 remain scheduled or estimated, flight FZ029 to Bahrain has been cancelled. Return services from Bahrain to Dubai continue as planned.

The airline will temporarily relocate its Naples service to Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport from November 1 to November 30 due to planned maintenance at Naples International Airport. Dubai International Airport, which handled over 87 million passengers in 2023, serves as one of the world's busiest international aviation hubs.

Air Arabia Cancels Multiple Services

Air Arabia has cancelled numerous flights on both Abu Dhabi-Kuwait and Sharjah-Kuwait routes through July 26. From Abu Dhabi, flights 3L020 and 3L022 to Kuwait, along with return flights 3L021 and 3L023, will not operate.

From Sharjah, flights G9068 and G9124 to Kuwait remain cancelled, while G9121 has not yet departed. Return flights G9069 and G9125 from Kuwait are cancelled, with G9122 pending departure.

On the Bahrain-Sharjah route, flights G9108 and G9106 from Bahrain have been cancelled on July 25, while G9102 and G9104 await departure. From Sharjah to Bahrain, G9107 and G9105 are cancelled, with G9101 and G9103 not yet departed.

Kuwait International Airport and Bahrain International Airport serve as significant regional connections, handling approximately 7-8 million and 9-10 million passengers annually respectively. The disruptions affect major routes within the Gulf Cooperation Council region, where countries have established agreements to facilitate air travel connectivity.

Airport Authorities Issue Travel Guidance

Dubai International Airport has issued specific guidance for passengers during the current period. Travellers should arrive at least three hours before departure, though industry standards suggest four hours may be advisable during operational disruptions. Passengers should expect longer processing times at security and immigration, and reach boarding gates at least 60 minutes before departure.

The airport recommends allowing extra time for traffic delays and using the Dubai Metro Red Line to reach Emirates Terminal 3 where possible. The Metro operates from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight on weekdays with extended weekend hours, connecting directly to Terminal 3.

Passengers can streamline their journey by using online check-in, which typically opens 24-48 hours before departure and can reduce airport processing time by 15-30 minutes. Airline apps, early baggage drop and self-service kiosks offer additional options to expedite check-in procedures.

International Travel Advisories Continue

Several governments maintain travel advisories warning of potential flight disruptions and changing security conditions. The US Department of State has advised travellers to prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions, recommending direct confirmation with airlines.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office notes the security situation remains unpredictable and subject to rapid change. Canada continues advising against non-essential travel to the UAE, citing concerns about renewed missile or drone activity affecting flights. Australia has recommended citizens consider departing while commercial flights remain available if safe to do so.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has extended its Gulf conflict-zone advisory until August 31, first issued in October 2023 following escalating regional tensions. The agency urges airlines to exercise extreme caution due to risks from missile and drone activity, military operations and possible debris. Historical patterns show that regional tensions have led to airspace closures and route diversions, with airlines typically adding 30-90 minutes to flight times when avoiding conflict zones.

The UAE's aviation sector contributes approximately 13-15% to the country's GDP and supports over 700,000 jobs directly and indirectly, underscoring the economic significance of sustained flight operations.

Passengers should confirm flight status directly with airlines before departure, as schedules may change at short notice. Under international aviation regulations, airlines must provide affected passengers with rebooking options, refunds or alternative arrangements when flights are cancelled due to operational or safety reasons. Travellers are advised to keep travel documents ready and follow instructions from airport authorities and airlines for current updates.