Latest updates
UAE airline cancellations
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has cancelled flights EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Kuwait International Airport due to operational reasons.
Separately, Etihad confirmed that flights EY575 from Abu Dhabi to Dammam and EY576 from Dammam to Abu Dhabi scheduled for July 28 were cancelled following the temporary closure of Dammam airport.
flydubai
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has cancelled the following services from Sharjah:
G9068 to Kuwait
G9124 to Kuwait
G9107 to Bahrain
G9195 to Abha
flyadeal
The Saudi low-cost carrier has cancelled:
Travel advisories remain in force
Although airport operations across the UAE remain stable, international aviation and government authorities continue to warn that the security situation across the Middle East remains unpredictable.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its safety advisory advising airlines to avoid operating in the airspace over the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and parts of the Gulf of Oman until August 31 because of the continuing risks linked to military activity.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also continues to advise British nationals travelling in the region to prepare for possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and wider travel disruption. Travellers are encouraged to monitor airline updates, follow instructions from local authorities and keep their travel plans under review.
The US Department of State has maintained its worldwide advisory urging Americans to exercise increased caution, warning that the security environment in the Middle East remains complex despite previous diplomatic efforts. Similar travel advisories remain in place from Canada and Australia.
Passengers with bookings on affected airlines should check directly with carriers for refund, rebooking or travel waiver options.
Why flights are taking longer or being cancelled
Due to airspace restrictions and security concerns in parts of the region, some international flights are being rerouted.
Travellers may experience:
Longer flight times: Some routes may take an additional 1–3 hours due to detours.
Flight cancellations: Airlines may adjust schedules based on safety assessments.
Longer connection times: Increased traffic at alternative airports can affect layovers.
Possible baggage delays: Route changes may impact baggage transfers.
What passengers should do today
If you are travelling from the UAE today:
Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
Monitor your airline’s website or mobile app for the latest updates.
Ensure your airline has your current contact details.
Allow extra time for your journey in case of operational changes.
Dhanusha is a Chief Reporter at Gulf News in Dubai, with her finger firmly on the pulse of UAE, regional, and global aviation. She dives deep into how airlines and airports operate, expand, and embrace the latest tech.
Known for her sharp eye for detail, Dhanusha makes complex topics like new aircraft, evolving travel trends, and aviation regulations easy to grasp. Lately, she’s especially fascinated by the world of eVTOLs and flying cars.
With nearly two decades in journalism, Dhanusha’s covered a wide range, from health and education to the pandemic, local transport, and technology. When she’s not tracking what’s happening in the skies, she enjoys exploring social media trends, tech innovations, and anything that sparks reader curiosity. Outside of work, you’ll find her immersed in electronic dance music, pop culture, movies, and video games.
