Major Gulf carriers cancel and adjust routes to Bahrain and Kuwait, while international airlines extend Middle East flight suspensions.
DUBAI, August 17, 2026:Airlines across the United Arab Emirates faced continued schedule disruptions on Monday as ongoing regional security tensions and airspace restrictions forced carriers to modify, delay, or cancel flights, particularly those serving Bahrain and Kuwait.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Air Arabia have updated their schedules to navigate changing regional security conditions. While the majority of international flights out of Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Zayed International Airport (AUH) are operating, regional corridors remain volatile.
Emirates has partially restored its service to Bahrain by operating a single daily flight—EK839—while cancelling earlier departures EK835 and EK837. The Dubai-based carrier continues to suspend flights to Kuwait, offering date-change fee waivers for affected passengers.
In Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways confirmed the cancellation of multiple flights to Bahrain (EY641-EY642, EY645-EY646, and EY647-EY648) through August 21, though services EY643 and EY644 are operating as scheduled. Etihad’s routes between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait currently remain operational. Sharjah-based Air Arabia has cancelled several flights to both Kuwait and Bahrain, whereas flydubai reported that its regional routes to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait are running on schedule, advising passengers departing Dubai to arrive four hours prior to take-off.
International carriers have significantly reduced their presence in Middle Eastern airspace. British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, KLM, and the Lufthansa Group have extended flight suspensions to Dubai and neighboring hubs through late 2026 or early 2027 due to safety evaluations surrounding the Gulf and Levant regions.
Simultaneously, passengers travelling between the UAE and India face enhanced security protocols. Indian authorities have extended heightened airport security measures through August 20 following the country’s 80th Independence Day commemorations. Travellers heading to major hubs including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram are advised to allow extra time for screening and check-in.
