UAE flights today: Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and flydubai disruptions as Middle East tensions continue

Flying today from the UAE? Flight schedules remain mixed on Sunday, with Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and flydubai operating a combination of scheduled services, cancellations and flights yet to depart.

Emirates has cancelled two Dubai-Bahrain services, while several Air Arabia flights between the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain have also been cancelled or are yet to depart.

Etihad's Abu Dhabi-Bahrain and Abu Dhabi-Kuwait services are largely operating as scheduled, while flydubai said its flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating.

The changes come as the Middle East war enters another day, with Washington preparing additional sanctions against Iran, diplomatic efforts continuing and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continuing to affect regional trade.

War status

The US is expected to announce additional sanctions against Iran on Monday, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent describing the planned measures as the “toughest sanctions in history”.

Iran has condemned the planned measures.

At present, the US and Iran are neither exchanging fire nor holding peace negotiations, according to the latest information provided.

The situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains an important development for the region, with restrictions on shipping affecting trade and creating wider uncertainty across the Gulf.

For UAE travellers, the evolving security situation means airlines continue to monitor their operations and adjust schedules where required.

UAE airlines

Etihad

Etihad's Abu Dhabi-Bahrain services are largely operating on Sunday, with some flights already arriving and others scheduled.

Abu Dhabi-Bahrain:

• EY647: Arrived.

• EY641: Scheduled.

• EY643: Scheduled.

• EY645: Scheduled.

Bahrain-Abu Dhabi:

• EY648: Arrived.

• EY642: Scheduled.

• EY644: Scheduled.

• EY646: Scheduled.

Etihad's EY653 Abu Dhabi-Kuwait and EY654 Kuwait-Abu Dhabi services are also scheduled.

Passengers should nevertheless check their individual flight status before travelling, as schedules can change at short notice.

Emirates

Emirates is reporting a mix of cancellations and scheduled services on its Dubai-Bahrain route.

Dubai-Bahrain:

• EK835: Cancelled.

• EK837: Cancelled.

• EK839: Scheduled for 4pm from Terminal 3.

Dubai-Kuwait services EK857 and EK858 are scheduled.

Passengers should check their flight status before leaving for Dubai International Airport.

flydubai

flydubai flight FZ8504 to Bahrain was cancelled, according to a Dubai Airports status updates.

The airline advises passengers departing Dubai to allow at least four hours before departure, in addition to completing online check-in where available and checking their flight status.

Air Arabia

Air Arabia is reporting multiple cancellations and pending departures involving services between the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain.

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 and G9105: Not departed.

Bahrain-Sharjah:

• G9108: Cancelled.

• G9102, G9104 and G9106: Not departed.

Sharjah-Kuwait:

• G9068 and G9124: Cancelled.

• G9121: Not departed.

Kuwait-Sharjah:

• G9069 and G9125: Cancelled.

• G9122: Not departed.

Air Arabia's G9195 Sharjah-Abha and G9196 Abha-Sharjah services are also yet to depart.

International airlines

Several international airlines continue to adjust their Middle East schedules.

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

British Airways: Services to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman are suspended until October 25.

Singapore Airlines: Dubai services are suspended until October 24.

KLM: Services to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam are suspended until September 6.

Philippine Airlines: Dubai services remain suspended until October 2.

Lufthansa and Swiss: Dubai services are suspended until September 13.

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

Why flights change

The continuing regional security situation is prompting airlines to review their schedules and operations.

The situation around the Strait of Hormuz is another factor for carriers operating across the Gulf, with restrictions on shipping adding to broader regional uncertainty.

Airlines can therefore make operational changes at short notice depending on developments, meaning a service listed as scheduled can still be subject to delays or cancellation.

For passengers, checking the status of the specific flight number is more important than relying on the overall route schedule.

DXB gets busier

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

That means passengers should expect higher traffic through Dubai's airports as the post-summer travel rush gathers pace.

Travellers should allow additional time for road traffic, check-in, security and immigration, particularly during busy departure periods.

Travel checklist

UAE passengers flying today should:

• Check their specific flight status before leaving home, even if the service was previously confirmed.

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

• Allow four hours when flying from Dubai with flydubai, in line with the airline's guidance.

• Complete online check-in where available.

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

• Keep contact details updated with the airline to receive disruption alerts.

• Prepare for last-minute changes, including delays, cancellations and schedule changes.

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

What to watch

For UAE residents, the key developments to monitor are traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, US-Iran diplomatic developments, further sanctions, oil prices and airline schedules.

Any escalation around the strategic waterway could have wider implications for regional shipping and energy markets, while airlines may continue reviewing their operations.

For travellers, the most important step remains simple: check your airline and airport status before setting out, as schedules can change at short notice.