UAE travel update: Flights operate normally as Etihad, Air Arabia and others cancel select Gulf routes

Dubai: After months of conflict, disruption to Gulf shipping and repeated threats to regional energy infrastructure, the Middle East has entered a fragile diplomatic pause.

While no major US airstrikes have been reported against Iran in recent days, regional tensions remain high and security authorities continue to warn that the situation could change quickly.

For travellers in the UAE, however, airport operations remain largely normal this Tuesday morning.

Dubai International, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and other UAE airports continue to operate without widespread disruption, although airlines are closely monitoring regional airspace and adjusting flight paths where necessary.

Demand on some regional routes also remains subdued as travellers continue to exercise caution following weeks of uncertainty, while several airlines have yet to fully restore their normal schedules.

Passengers travelling to destinations across the Gulf are still advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, particularly if flying to Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia or Qatar.

Etihad continues to cancel selected services for operational reasons.

Flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain remain suspended, while services EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait have also been cancelled. The airline has not specified when normal operations will resume on these routes.

Passengers are advised to ensure their contact details are updated so they can receive SMS or email notifications regarding their flights.

The airline has cancelled:

The following flights from Sharjah remain cancelled:

Saudia said all flight cancellations and schedule changes have now been updated in its booking system through the end of October 2026, allowing passengers to make reservations with greater certainty.

The airline continues to advise travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and not to travel unless their flight has been confirmed.

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended passenger services to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait until and including July 31, 2026.

The airline has cancelled flight F3506 to Riyadh from Dubai.

Although airport operations across the UAE remain stable, international aviation and government authorities continue to warn travellers that the regional security situation remains unpredictable.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its safety advisory for airlines operating over the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and parts of the Gulf of Oman until August 31 because of the continuing security risk from military activity.

Meanwhile, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to advise British nationals travelling in the Middle East to be prepared for flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and travel disruption. Travellers are urged to monitor airline updates, follow local authorities' guidance and keep travel plans under review.

The US Department of State has also maintained its worldwide advisory urging Americans to exercise increased caution, warning that the security environment across the Middle East remains complex despite the recent diplomatic understanding between Washington and Tehran. Similar advisories remain in place from Canada and Australia.

For now, however, travellers departing from the UAE can expect airports to operate normally, with disruptions largely limited to selected regional routes rather than widespread cancellations.

Passengers with bookings on affected airlines should check directly with carriers for refund, rebooking or travel waiver options.

Due to airspace restrictions and security concerns in parts of the region, some international flights are being rerouted.

Travellers may experience:

If you are travelling from the UAE today: