US issues Middle East travel warning as UAE airports hit summer peak
Travellers flying to and from the UAE are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as airlines continue to adjust schedules amid operational changes and heightened regional tensions.
While most UAE airlines continue to operate, Etihad Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia have announced changes affecting selected routes to Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Passengers are urged to monitor airline apps and official websites, as schedules may change at short notice.
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Meanwhile, the US State Department has also issued a travel warning for the Middle East, including the UAE, advising citizens to prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions.
The updates come as UAE airports enter the busy summer travel period, with thousands of passengers travelling for holidays. Airports and airlines are advising passengers to arrive early and allow extra time for check-in, security and immigration procedures.
With passenger numbers rising during the summer peak, travellers flying from UAE airports should:
Arrive at least three hours before departure
Check flight status before leaving home
Allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration
Use airline apps and online check-in services
Keep contact details updated with airlines for real-time notifications
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has also advised passengers to plan extra time for their journey due to increased passenger volumes.
Flight status alert: Always check official airline websites for real-time updates, as flight schedules and conditions can change rapidly.
Etihad Airways has cancelled selected flights between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport, as well as flights between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait International Airport.
Cancelled services include:
EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait
Passengers affected by the cancellations have been advised to update their contact details with the airline to receive the latest travel information.
Emirates has advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling.
Selected Dubai services have been affected on August 2:
Dubai (DXB) to Kuwait (KWI)
EK853 — Cancelled
EK855 — Cancelled
EK857 — Cancelled
EK859 — Cancelled
Kuwait (KWI) to Dubai (DXB)
EK854 — Cancelled
EK856 — Cancelled
EK858 — Cancelled
EK860 — Cancelled
Dubai (DXB) to Bahrain (BAH)
EK835 — Cancelled
EK837 — Cancelled
EK839 — Cancelled
Emirates said some flight information, including Bahrain-Dubai services, may only be available closer to departure.
Passengers are advised to check updates before travelling and arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure.
Air Arabia has also announced changes affecting selected flights between the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Affected services include:
Abu Dhabi – Kuwait
3L020 — Cancelled
3L022 — Not yet departed
Kuwait – Abu Dhabi
3L021 — Cancelled
3L023 — Not yet departed
Abu Dhabi – Bahrain
3L015 — Time updated
3L017 — Not yet departed
Bahrain – Abu Dhabi
3L016 — Time updated
3L018 — Not yet departed
Sharjah – Kuwait
G9068 — Cancelled
G9124 — Cancelled
G9121 — Not yet departed
Kuwait – Sharjah
G9069 — Cancelled
G9125 — Cancelled
G9122 — Not yet departed
Sharjah – Bahrain
G9107 — Cancelled
G9101 — Time updated
G9103 — Not yet departed
G9105 — Not yet departed
Bahrain – Sharjah
G9108 — Cancelled
G9102 — Time updated
G9104 — Not yet departed
G9106 — Not yet departed
Sharjah – Abha, Saudi Arabia
G9195 — Cancelled
G9196 — Cancelled
Passengers affected should contact Air Arabia for rebooking options and the latest updates.
flydubai has not announced major changes to its flight schedule and continues to operate services as normal.
Passengers are advised to:
Check flight status before travelling
Complete online check-in where available
Allow extra time to reach the airport during the summer travel rush
Monitor official airline updates
The US State Department has issued a security alert covering several Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, warning citizens to prepare for possible:
Flight cancellations
Temporary airspace closures
Travel disruptions
The advisory urged Americans in the region to “consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation”.International airlines adjust UAE services
Several international carriers have reduced or suspended selected UAE and regional services amid ongoing security concerns.
Several international airlines continue to suspend or adjust services across the Gulf amid ongoing regional security concerns.
Oman Air has warned passengers of delays on some flights after temporary airspace restrictions and operational challenges affected aircraft movements across its network.
The airline said teams were working to minimise disruption and restore normal operations. Passengers affected by schedule changes will be contacted through WhatsApp, email or SMS if their booking details are updated. Oman Air said it may also offer alternative flights on other carriers where available.
IndiGo has warned passengers of possible flight schedule changes due to the evolving Middle East situation.
Travellers are advised to check flight status before heading to the airport. The airline said updates will be shared through registered contact details.
Saudia said all cancellations and schedule changes have been updated in its reservation system through the end of October 2026.
Passengers can check the latest flight information through the airline’s booking channels before travelling.
Qatar Airways has extended the suspension of passenger flights to:
Bahrain
Erbil
Kuwait
The suspension remains in place until and including July 31.
Passengers are advised to check the airline’s official channels for updates.
Among the latest measures:
British Airways has suspended flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv until October 31.
Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and ITA Airways have suspended Dubai services until October 24.
Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines will not resume Dubai flights until September 13.
Aegean Airlines and Air Astana have extended Dubai suspensions until August 31.
KLM has suspended Dubai services until August 23.
Philippine Airlines continues to suspend Dubai flights until October 2, while Manila-Doha services have resumed.
Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi but continues to suspend services to Iran.
Wizz Air expects to resume Dubai and Abu Dhabi services during September.
Although many UAE flights continue to operate, airlines are avoiding parts of regional airspace due to security concerns.
Passengers may experience:
Longer flight times of one to three hours due to alternative routes.
Last-minute cancellations or schedule changes.
Longer connection times at transit airports.
Delays in baggage delivery.
Check flight status before leaving for the airport
Monitor airline alerts and official updates
Arrive early to allow extra time for airport procedures
Keep passports and travel documents ready
Follow instructions from UAE authorities and airlines
Travellers departing from Dubai International Airport (DXB) can use the Dubai Metro to reach Emirates Terminal 3.
Dubai Metro timings:
Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5am to midnight
Friday: 5am to 1am
Sunday: 8am to midnight
Airlines and airports continue to advise passengers to rely on official channels for the latest schedule information.
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