UAE airlines cancel Kuwait and Bahrain flights amid regional security disruptions
Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia have suspended multiple services to Kuwait and Bahrain following heightened regional tensions. Passengers are advised to verify flight status before travelling during the peak summer season.
UAE airlines cancel Kuwait and Bahrain flights amid regional security disruptions
Major UAE carriers have cancelled numerous flights to Kuwait and Bahrain as regional security concerns continue to affect Gulf aviation operations, with travellers urged to confirm their flight status before departing for the airport.
The disruptions come during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with Dubai International Airport handling approximately three million passengers during the first half of July 2026. Daily traffic regularly exceeds 200,000 travellers, with about half of passengers using Dubai as a connection point to other destinations worldwide.
Regional aviation safety measures
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin on July 14, 2026, recommending that air operators avoid flying within the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and the Gulf of Oman. The advisory remains valid until July 29, 2026.
Kuwait International Airport temporarily suspended all takeoff and landing operations on July 18 as a precautionary measure, with services resuming the following day. The airport currently operates with Terminals 4 and 5, while Terminal 1 remains closed.
Emirates cancellations
Emirates has suspended several Dubai-Kuwait services, including flights EK853, EK855, EK857 and EK859, along with their corresponding return flights EK854, EK856, EK858 and EK860. Additional Kuwait services affected on July 23 include EK871 and EK872.
Dubai-Bahrain services have also been disrupted, with cancellations affecting flights EK835, EK837, EK839, EK833 and their return services EK836, EK838, EK840 and EK834.
Despite the route-specific disruptions, Emirates President Sir Tim Clark reported that the airline is operating at 90 percent of planned capacity, with premium cabins remaining full.
Etihad Airways adjustments
Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Kuwait International Airport until July 24, 2026. Services EY653 and EY654 remain suspended due to operational reasons.
Abu Dhabi-Bahrain flights EY647 and EY648 scheduled for July 23, 2026, have also been cancelled. Etihad teams are assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements.
flydubai and Air Arabia updates
flydubai cancelled several Dubai-Bahrain services on July 22, including flights FZ023, FZ021, FZ027 and return services FZ024, FZ022 and FZ028. Dubai-Kuwait flights remain scheduled, though passengers should verify before travelling.
Air Arabia reported extensive cancellations across multiple routes. Abu Dhabi-Kuwait services 3L020 and 3L021 have been suspended, while Sharjah-Kuwait flights G9068, G9124, G9069 and G9125 are cancelled. Sharjah-Bahrain services G9107, G9108 and G9106 have also been suspended.
Airport operations and passenger advice
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths confirmed that broader activity across the Dubai hub remains close to normal despite the route-specific disruptions. In 2025, Dubai International Airport welcomed a record 95.2 million passengers, marking the highest annual international traffic ever recorded by any airport globally.
Airlines have advised passengers to arrive at least three hours before scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for security, immigration and boarding procedures. Travellers should reach boarding gates at least 60 minutes before take-off.
Passengers are encouraged to use online check-in services, baggage drop facilities and digital services where available. Those travelling from Dubai International Airport can use the Dubai Metro to reach Emirates Terminal 3, with extended operating hours during the week.
Travel advisories
Multiple governments have issued travel advisories for the region. The United States State Department maintains a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Bahrain, citing terrorism and risk of armed conflict. The United Kingdom Foreign Office advises a high degree of caution and warns of regional threats, while Australian authorities recommend reconsidering travel to Bahrain.
Airlines continue to monitor the situation and are updating passengers through official channels. Travellers are advised to ensure their contact details are current to receive flight notifications via SMS or email.
