Flight Operations from UAE: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia Updates

Kuwait City, Kuwait Aug 28, 2026 ALN: Dubai: Travelers flying from the UAE today should be aware that Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia are operating a mix of scheduled services and cancellations. Several international carriers continue to suspend flights to Dubai amid ongoing regional security concerns.

While some routes from Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain operational, individual flights are experiencing cancellations, delays, or diversions. Airlines are actively reviewing their schedules in light of heightened tensions surrounding the US-Iran conflict.

Passengers are advised to check their individual flight status before heading to the airport, even if their route appears to be scheduled.

Flight operations across the UAE have largely normalized, but travelers should still verify their flight status prior to departure, as delays and cancellations persist for some services.

The return of Air France services to Dubai and Riyadh indicates a gradual restoration of international capacity, although several global airlines continue to suspend routes in the Middle East.

Before you travel: Check your airline’s website or app for the latest flight status and schedule updates.

Latest Regional Developments

Regional tensions remain elevated despite ongoing efforts to maintain key shipping routes.

US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper reported that the Strait of Hormuz has been cleared of mines laid by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, marking a significant milestone in securing vital oil shipping lanes.

This operation supported over 1,500 vessels carrying 750 million barrels of oil, involving more than 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft.

However, commercial traffic through the strait remains below normal levels, and the broader security situation continues to create uncertainty for airlines operating in and around the Gulf.

In Tehran, Qatar's Prime Minister met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as diplomatic efforts persist, while Washington has indicated a tougher stance, including potential sanctions on Chinese banks over dealings with Iran.

For UAE travelers, developments around the Strait of Hormuz are crucial, as further escalation could impact regional transport and airline operations.

Flight status alert: Check your airline’s official website or app for the latest updates before traveling.

UAE Airline Updates

Etihad

Etihad Airways reports that services between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain are mostly operating normally, although individual flights have been affected.

• EY647 has arrived.

• EY641 is scheduled to operate.

• EY645 is scheduled to operate.

• EY653 on the Abu Dhabi-Kuwait route has departed.

• EY857 from Abu Dhabi to Sochi on August 26 diverted to Istanbul due to the closure of Sochi airport.

• The return EY858 service from Sochi to Abu Dhabi was consequently delayed.

Etihad advises passengers to check their individual flight status before traveling, as schedules can change at short notice.

Emirates

Emirates has reported a mix of cancellations and scheduled services.

Dubai-Bahrain:

• EK835 – cancelled

• EK837 – cancelled

• EK839 – scheduled

Dubai-Kuwait:

• EK857 – scheduled

Dubai to London Gatwick:

• EK009 - delayed

Passengers are advised to check Emirates' latest official updates before traveling.

flydubai

• FZ041 – Dubai to Muscat: cancelled

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

Air Arabia

Air Arabia has canceled several services from the UAE:

• G9068 – Sharjah to Kuwait

• G9124 – Sharjah to Kuwait

• G9107 – Sharjah to Bahrain

• 3L020 – Abu Dhabi to Kuwait

Passengers should check their booking and the latest airline updates before heading to the airport.

Other Flights

Several other flights listed at Dubai International Airport have also been delayed or canceled.

• KQ311 – Dubai to Nairobi: cancelled

• SG5156 – Dubai to Amritsar: cancelled

• SG5023 – Dubai to Mumbai: delayed

• WY604 – Dubai to Muscat: delayed

• PK284 – Dubai to Peshawar: delayed

• IX748 – Dubai to Kannur: delayed

International Airlines

Several international airlines continue to adjust their Middle East operations.

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

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

• Singapore Airlines: Dubai services suspended until October 24.

• KLM: Services to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam 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 flights to Iran remain suspended.

The varying timelines highlight that airline schedules are being reviewed individually based on each carrier's assessment of the operating environment.

Why Flights Change

The ongoing regional security situation is prompting airlines to reassess routes, schedules, and aircraft operations.

The situation around the Strait of Hormuz is another factor, with shipping restrictions contributing to broader regional uncertainty.

As a result, a flight that appears scheduled can still be subject to last-minute delays, diversions, or cancellations depending on developments.

For passengers, the most reliable information is the status of their specific flight number, rather than merely checking whether their route is operating.

DXB Gets Busier

Another consideration for UAE travelers is that Dubai's airports are becoming busier as the summer travel period comes to a close.

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

Travelers passing through Dubai should allow extra time for road traffic, check-in, security, and immigration, particularly during peak departure periods.

Traveler Checklist

If you are flying from the UAE today:

• Check your flight: Look up the specific flight number before leaving home, even if it was previously confirmed.

• Arrive early: Allow at least three hours before departure, or earlier if your airline advises it.

• Flying flydubai? Allow at least four hours when departing Dubai, in line with the airline's guidance.

• Check in online: Complete online check-in where available.

• Allow extra time: Factor in potential delays due to increased airport traffic.