UAE travellers should check flight updates before leaving for the airport and allow extra time as airlines continue to adjust schedules.
Dubai: Six months into the US-Iran war, travel through the UAE continues, but passengers should remain prepared for changing flight schedules, delays and cancellations as airlines navigate ongoing regional security concerns.
Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and flydubai are operating, although some Gulf services continue to face disruptions. Several international airlines have also extended suspensions or reduced services on routes across the Middle East.
For UAE residents travelling this weekend, the most important advice is simple: check your flight status before leaving home and allow extra time at the airport.
What is happening six months into the war?
The conflict reached its six-month mark on Friday, with limited signs of a broader political breakthrough.
US diplomats have begun returning to some Gulf embassies following wartime staffing restrictions, although the process remains partial.
Iran, meanwhile, has indicated that it remains open to negotiations if Washington ends its pressure campaign.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major focus of the conflict. US Central Command said the number of commercial vessels turned away under its blockade of Iran had reached 82 as of August 28. Three vessels had reportedly been disabled, and two boarded while the blockade was being enforced.
UAE flights continue, but disruptions remain
The UAE’s major carriers continue to operate, but individual flights can still be changed at short notice.
Emirates
Emirates continues to operate from Dubai, although some services are affected.
- EK837 to Bahrain is cancelled
- EK839 to Bahrain is scheduled
- EK857 to Kuwait is scheduled
- EK719 to Nairobi is delayed
Etihad
Etihad’s Bahrain and Kuwait services are largely operating.
EY647 arrived late, while EY641, EY643 and EY645 were scheduled. EY653 to Kuwait had departed.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has cancelled several Gulf services, including flights from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi to Kuwait and Bahrain.
flydubai
Several flydubai services are experiencing delays.
The airline is advising passengers departing from Dubai to arrive at the airport four hours before departure and complete online check-in where possible.
Other flights are also affected.
Passengers flying from Dubai should also check their individual flight status if travelling with other international or regional carriers.
Disruptions have affected services operated by airlines including SpiceJet, Air India Express, Kenya Airways, Oman Air and Pakistan International Airlines.
The situation remains fluid, meaning an airline’s schedule published several days earlier should not be treated as a guarantee that the flight will operate unchanged.
International airlines with extended suspensions
Several international carriers continue to suspend or restrict services to destinations in the region.
Among them are:
- Lufthansa Group: Multiple Middle East destinations suspended through October 24
- British Airways: Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman affected through October 25, with reduced frequencies on returning service.
- Singapore Airlines: Dubai suspended through October 24
- Cathay Pacific: Dubai suspended through October 25 and Riyadh through October 26
- Wizz Air: Dubai and Abu Dhabi services from mainland Europe suspended through October 24
- KLM: Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam suspended through October 24
- Air Canada: Dubai and Tel Aviv cancellations extended into January 2027
- Finnair: Dubai suspended through March 27, 2027
Schedules can change, so passengers should verify their flight directly with the airline before travelling.
Dubai airports are also getting busier
There is another factor UAE travellers should consider this weekend.
The post-summer travel rush is increasing passenger numbers at Dubai’s airports as residents return from holidays and visitors arrive in the emirate.
That means airport queues could add significant time even when a flight itself is operating normally.
Passengers should account for traffic, check-in, security screening and immigration rather than planning their arrival around the scheduled departure time alone.
What UAE travellers should do?
Before leaving for the airport:
- Check your flight status on the day of departure.
- Follow the latest instructions from your airline.
- Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if your airline advises it.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Allow additional time for road traffic, check-in, security and immigration.
- Keep your airline booking details and travel documents accessible.
- Make sure your airline has your current phone number and email address for disruption alerts.
The broader security situation remains unpredictable, but UAE airports and airlines continue to operate. For passengers, the practical priority is to stay updated and build enough time into the journey to absorb last-minute changes.
Source: Gulf News
Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News Archives
