UAE flights status today: Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia schedules and cancellations

Dubai: UAE flight schedules remain largely operational across key Gulf routes, although some services have been cancelled, delayed or adjusted amid ongoing regional tensions. As diplomatic efforts continue over the Strait of Hormuz, travellers should check their flight status before heading to the airport, as schedules can change at short notice.

At the same time, UAE airports are preparing for higher passenger numbers as the summer holiday period ends.

Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs has increased operational readiness across airport platforms and checkpoints to manage the expected travel rush and help streamline passenger processing.

Latest regional developments

Tensions remain high as the Strait of Hormuz stays at the centre of the US-Iran standoff. Trump says he views the waterway as “American territory” and claims Iran wants a deal but is not ready to accept Washington’s terms.

Tehran has condemned new US sanctions as a “declaration of war”, while Iran’s military has signalled a shift towards a more offensive posture.

Meanwhile, Oman and Iran are discussing a possible return to negotiations over arrangements for passage through the Strait, offering a potential diplomatic channel as shipping remains disrupted.

UAE-Gulf flight routes

Abu Dhabi–Bahrain and Abu Dhabi–Kuwait services are operating, while some Dubai–Bahrain flights have been cancelled. Dubai–Kuwait services remain scheduled. flydubai is operating flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, although some services have been cancelled.

Air Arabia has reported cancellations and delays on several UAE–Kuwait and UAE–Bahrain routes, including Sharjah–Kuwait services.

UAE airline updates

Flight schedules across the UAE remain mixed on Saturday, August 22, with some services operating as scheduled while others have been cancelled or are yet to depart. Passengers should check their specific flight status before heading to the airport.

Etihad Airways:

Abu Dhabi–Bahrain services are operating, with some flights already arrived and others scheduled. Abu Dhabi–Kuwait and Kuwait–Abu Dhabi services are also scheduled.

Abu Dhabi–Bahrain:

Services are largely operating.

• EY647 — Arrived

• EY641, EY643, EY645 — Scheduled

Bahrain–Abu Dhabi:

• EY648 — Arrived

• EY642, EY644, EY646 — Scheduled

Abu Dhabi–Kuwait:

• EY653 — Scheduled

Kuwait–Abu Dhabi:

• EY654 — Scheduled

Emirates

Some Dubai–Bahrain flights have been cancelled, while other services are scheduled. Dubai–Kuwait flights are also scheduled.

Dubai–Bahrain:

• EK835 — Cancelled

• EK839 — Scheduled, 4pm from Terminal 3

Bahrain–Dubai:

• EK836, EK838 — Cancelled

• EK840 — Scheduled

Dubai–Kuwait:

• EK857, EK858 — Scheduled

flydubai

Services to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating, although some other flights have been cancelled.

Air Arabia

Several services between the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain have been cancelled, delayed or have yet to depart. Some Sharjah–Kuwait and Kuwait–Sharjah flights are also cancelled.

Air Arabia is reporting several cancellations and pending departures.

Abu Dhabi–Kuwait

• 3L020 — Cancelled

• 3L022 — Not departed

Kuwait–Abu Dhabi

• 3L021 — Cancelled

• 3L023 — Not departed

Abu Dhabi–Bahrain

• 3L015 — Flight time updated

• 3L017 — Not departed

Sharjah–Bahrain

• G9107 — Cancelled

• G9101, G9103, G9105 — Not departed

Bahrain–Sharjah

• G9108 — Cancelled

• G9102, G9104, G9106 — Not departed

Sharjah–Kuwait

• G9068, G9124 — Cancelled

• G9121 — Not departed

Kuwait–Sharjah

• G9069, G9125 — Cancelled

• G9122 — Not departed

Sharjah–Abha

• G9195 — Not departed

Abha–Sharjah

• G9196 — Not departed

Flight schedules can change at short notice, so passengers should check their specific flight number before leaving for the airport.

International airlines

Several international carriers continue to adjust their Middle East schedules:

Air Canada: Dubai services suspended until mid-January 2027.

British Airways: Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman services suspended until October 25.

Singapore Airlines: Dubai services suspended until October 24.

KLM: Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam services suspended until September 6.

Philippine Airlines: Dubai services suspended until October 2.

Lufthansa and Swiss: Dubai services suspended until September 13.

Turkish Airlines: Services to Abu Dhabi and Dubai have resumed, while Iran flights remain suspended.

Dubai prepares for post-summer travel rush

Dubai authorities are increasing operational readiness across airport platforms and checkpoints as residents and visitors return from summer holidays.

Passengers should expect busier airports and allow extra time for check-in, security, immigration and road traffic.

What UAE travellers should do

• Check your flight status before leaving home, even if it was previously confirmed.

• Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if advised by your airline.

• Allow four hours when flying from Dubai with flydubai, in line with its guidance.

• Complete online check-in where available.

• Allow extra time for traffic, security, check-in and immigration.

• Keep your contact details updated with your airline.

• Be prepared for last-minute delays, cancellations or schedule changes.

• Follow official airline and airport channels for the latest updates.

What UAE residents should watch next

• The key developments to monitor are Strait of Hormuz traffic, US-Iran negotiations, further sanctions, oil prices and airline schedules.

• Any escalation around the strategic waterway could have wider implications for regional shipping, energy markets and travel.

• For travellers, check your airline and airport status before setting out, as schedules can change at short notice.

Bottom line: Flights are operating on many UAE routes, but disruptions remain possible. Check your specific flight immediately before travelling to the airport.