United Arab Emirates airlines cancel flights amid regional tensions

Airlines operating in the United Arab Emirates have begun canceling or rescheduling flights due to rising regional tensions and the deteriorating security situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Major carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia have reported disruptions to services heading toward Bahrain, Kuwait, and other regional destinations. Etihad Airways has canceled six flights between Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport through August 21. Air Arabia has also canceled five flights, primarily connecting Sharjah and Abu Dhabi to Bahrain and Kuwait.

While flydubai reports that its flights to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia are currently operating on schedule, the airline has advised passengers to arrive at the airport at least four hours early and to complete online check-in due to potential delays. Emirates has instructed passengers traveling from Dubai to Kuwait and Bahrain to monitor flight statuses closely, noting that final confirmation for affected flights may only be available approximately 24 hours before departure. Some airlines are offering fee-free date changes for affected travelers.