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UAE Flights Largely Stable Despite Gulf Tensions, Some Kuwait Routes Still Affected

UAE Flights Largely Stable Despite Gulf Tensions, Some Kuwait Routes Still Affected

publish time

07/08/2026

publish time

07/08/2026

UAE Flights Largely Stable Despite Gulf Tensions, Some Kuwait Routes Still Affected
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DUBAI, Aug. 7: Air travel from the UAE remained largely stable this week, with most flights operating as scheduled despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf. However, several services to Kuwait, Bahrain and Doha continue to face cancellations and delays as airlines adjust operations due to regional airspace restrictions. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and arrive early for departures.

The security situation remains volatile following reported explosions on Iran's Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz, while diplomatic efforts to ease tensions continue. Despite the conflict, regional aviation is showing signs of recovery, with Qatar Airways set to resume passenger flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Erbil from Friday.

UAE airline updates

Etihad Airways

  • Cancelled:
    • EY653: Abu Dhabi – Kuwait
    • EY654: Kuwait – Abu Dhabi
  • Kuwait and Bahrain flights remain available for booking, but the airline has not confirmed a full resumption of services.

Emirates

  • Dubai – Kuwait services remain unavailable.
  • Dubai – Bahrain services also remain unavailable.

flydubai

  • Cancelled:
    • FZ027 / EK2020: Dubai – Bahrain
  • Delayed:
    • FZ039: Dubai – Salalah

Air Arabia

  • Cancelled:
    • G9068: Sharjah – Kuwait
    • G9124: Sharjah – Kuwait
    • 3L020: Abu Dhabi – Kuwait
    • G9107: Sharjah – Bahrain
    • G9081: Sharjah – Doha
    • G9138: Sharjah – Doha

Regional carriers

  • Qatar Airways will resume passenger flights (beginning Aug. 8, marking the first signs of regional network recovery.) to:
    • Kuwait
    • Bahrain
    • Erbil
  • Jazeera Airways has resumed flights to and from Kuwait and advises passengers to arrive three hours before departure.
  • Oman Air says temporary airspace restrictions and technical issues may continue to cause delays and cancellations.
  • Saudia said it is closely monitoring operations and will keep passengers informed of any schedule changes.
International airline suspensions

Several international airlines continue to suspend or reduce services across the Gulf:

  • British Airways: Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv suspended until Oct. 31.
  • Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and ITA Airways -Dubai flights suspended until Oct. 24.
  • Lufthansa and Swiss: Dubai services suspended until Sept. 13.
  • Aegean Airlines and Air Astana: Dubai suspensions extended until Aug. 31.
  • KLM: Dubai flights suspended until Aug. 23.
  • Philippine Airlines: Dubai flights suspended until Oct. 2; Manila–Doha services have resumed.
  • Turkish Airlines: Flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi have resumed, while services to Iran remain suspended.
  • Wizz Air: Expects to resume Dubai and Abu Dhabi operations during September.
What passengers can expect

Because airlines continue to avoid parts of the region's airspace for security reasons, travelers may experience:

  • Flight times extended by one to three hours due to longer routes.
  • Last-minute flight cancellations or schedule changes.
  • Longer transit and connection times.
  • Delays in baggage delivery.