UAE flights remain largely operational, but disruptions are reported on routes to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia due to ongoing regional tensions. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses.
Kuwait City, Kuwait Jul 19, 2026 ALN: Flight operations across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain largely active; however, certain routes have been impacted by the ongoing US-Iran conflict and broader regional security concerns. Airlines are making necessary adjustments to their schedules, cancelling selected services, and closely monitoring airspace developments as tensions in the Gulf region continue to escalate. The situation has led to heightened caution among airlines, and passengers are encouraged to stay informed about their flight status, as well as to allow extra time at airports to accommodate potential delays or changes in departure times or routes.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts, air travel between the UAE and neighboring countries, particularly Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, has experienced significant disruptions. These cancellations and operational changes reflect the airlines' commitment to ensuring passenger safety while navigating the complexities of regional tensions. Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with airlines before travelling to avoid any inconvenience.
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The air travel corridor between the UAE and Kuwait has faced notable disruptions, with multiple airlines announcing cancellations of services amid ongoing regional developments. This situation has arisen as airlines reassess their operational capacities in light of security assessments.
Etihad Airways has cancelled flights EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Kuwait International Airport on July 19 and 20, 2026, citing operational reasons. The airline has emphasized the importance of keeping passengers informed and has encouraged those affected by the cancellations to update their contact details to receive the latest travel information and assistance with rebooking.
Emirates Airlines has also reported several cancellations for flights between Dubai and Kuwait. The affected flights include:
Cancelled flights include:
Dubai to Kuwait
EK853
EK855
EK857
EK860
Kuwait to Dubai
EK854
EK856
EK858
EK860
Air Arabia has also cancelled several services between the UAE and Kuwait. The cancellations include:
Sharjah to Kuwait
G9068 — Cancelled
G9124 — Cancelled
G9121 — Cancelled
Abu Dhabi to Kuwait
3L020 — Cancelled
3L022 — Cancelled
Kuwait to Abu Dhabi
3L021 — Cancelled
3L023 — Not yet departed
Kuwait to Sharjah
G9069 — Cancelled
G9125 — Cancelled
G9122 — Not yet departed
No updates have been issued regarding Kuwait flights by flydubai. However, the airline has reported a cancellation on the Dubai-Abha route:
FZ811 — Cancelled
FZ815 — Operating as scheduled
Flight disruptions at Abha International Airport have continued to affect services linked to the UAE. As a result, certain flights operated by flydubai and Air Arabia between Dubai and Abha and Sharjah and Abha, respectively, have faced cancellations. Meanwhile, several domestic flights within Saudi Arabia, connecting Abha with major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Tabuk, are still operating as scheduled.
Travellers planning to head to Saudi Arabia are strongly advised to check airline updates before departure to avoid any unexpected changes in their travel plans.
Etihad Airways continues operating its network, although some flights have faced delays due to operational issues. Passengers are encouraged to check the status of individual flights before travelling to ensure a smooth journey.
Emirates Airlines continues operating its wider network and has even expanded services across various destinations. Passengers who have been affected by cancellations can check rebooking and refund options based on the conditions of their tickets.
During the busy summer travel period, travellers are advised to arrive early at Dubai International Airport to accommodate any potential delays or increased traffic.
flydubai continues to operate across its network, with passengers advised to check schedules before travelling. Travellers departing from Dubai International Airport should aim to arrive at least four hours before their scheduled departure during the peak summer travel season.
Air Arabia remains operational from its hubs in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. The airline's immediate disruptions are primarily affecting selected UAE-Saudi routes, including Sharjah-Abha, as well as some UAE-Kuwait services.
A number of international airlines have made adjustments to their schedules in the UAE due to regional security concerns and airspace restrictions. Passengers are reminded to verify their flight status directly with their airlines, as flight schedules and operational conditions can change rapidly.
Flight status alert: Always check official airline websites for real-time updates, as flight schedules and conditions can change rapidly.
For those with bookings on affected airlines, it is crucial to check directly with carriers for options regarding refunds, rebooking, or travel waivers.
Due to airspace restrictions and security concerns in various parts of the region, some international flights are being rerouted. Travellers may experience:
Longer flight times: Certain routes may take an additional 1–3 hours due to necessary detours.
Flight cancellations: Airlines may adjust their schedules based on ongoing safety assessments.
Longer connection times: Increased traffic at alternative airports can affect layover durations.
Possible baggage delays: Changes in routes may impact the timely transfer of baggage.
Before heading to the airport, passengers are advised to:
Check their airline’s latest flight status for any updates.
Confirm that their contact details are updated with the airline to receive timely notifications.
Arrive early, particularly during the summer travel peak, to mitigate any potential delays.
Avoid relying on unverified social media updates, which may not provide accurate information.
Follow guidance from UAE authorities and airlines to ensure a smooth travel experience.
While UAE airports remain operational, passengers should be prepared for possible short-notice schedule changes as airlines continue to monitor the regional situation closely. Travellers are advised to remain flexible, check for updates before departure, and allocate additional time for potential delays or rerouting.
Travelling from UAE today? Due to the evolving situation, flight schedules and operational updates are subject to change; travellers are strongly advised to verify the latest status directly on their airline’s official website before planning travel.
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