Gulf Tensions Disrupt UAE Flights to Bahrain, Kuwait and Other Regional Destinations

Rising tensions in the Gulf and the deteriorating security situation around the Strait of Hormuz have severely disrupted air travel from the United Arab Emirates to Bahrain, Kuwait and several other regional destinations.

According to international media reports, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia have cancelled or modified a number of flights and issued new travel instructions to passengers.

Passengers travelling from the UAE have been advised to check the latest status of their flights before leaving for the airport, as schedules may change at short notice due to the regional security situation.

Etihad Airways said six flights between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport have been cancelled through August 21. Affected passengers are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements and rebooking.

Emirates has also advised passengers to check the latest status of flights from Dubai to Kuwait and Bahrain. The final status of affected flights is expected to become available around 24 hours before departure. The airline has also allowed some passengers travelling to Dubai from August 10 to change their travel dates without a fee.

Air Arabia has cancelled five flights, mainly services from Sharjah to Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as a flight from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait. Passengers have been urged to check their individual flight status before travelling, as several services between Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Kuwait have recently been rescheduled or cancelled.

Flydubai said its flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled. However, passengers departing from Dubai have been advised to arrive at the airport at least four hours before departure, check their flight status in advance and complete online check-in where possible.

Several international airlines have also made changes to their regional operations amid the heightened security situation.

British Airways has suspended flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Oman until October 25 and reduced the number of flights to Doha and Riyadh. Philippine Airlines has suspended its Dubai services until October 2, while Air France has suspended flights to Riyadh until August 14 and services to Dubai and Beirut until August 18.

Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, although services to Iran remain suspended. Air Canada has extended the suspension of flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv, with its Dubai service not expected to resume until mid-January 2027.

Singapore Airlines has also postponed the resumption of its Dubai services until October 24.