Flying from UAE today? Latest Etihad, flydubai, Air France flight cancellations, travel advisories explained

Latest updates

Air France fights to Middle East

Beirut suspension extended

Dubai International Airport operating normally

• Despite Air France’s suspension, Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains fully operational.

• Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said the airport is operating at “pretty much full capacity.”

• More than six million passengers have travelled through Dubai since the regional conflict began.

• Passenger traffic remains strong as international airlines gradually restore services.

Etihad extends Kuwait cancellations

Etihad Airways has cancelled the following services due to operational reasons:

• EY653 Abu Dhabi–Kuwait

• EY654 Kuwait–Abu Dhabi

These cancellations have now been extended until July 24.

Bahrain flights cancelled

Etihad has also cancelled selected Bahrain services:

Passengers are advised to ensure their contact details are updated on Etihad’s website to receive the latest notifications.

flydubai update

Both services are scheduled between Dubai and Bahrain.

US issues worldwide travel alert

The US State Department has issued a worldwide caution for American citizens.

• The security situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable.

• Travellers should exercise increased caution.

• Americans should reconsider travel to and through parts of the region due to the risk of further escalation.

Why some foreign airlines have not returned

According to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths:

• Dubai Airport itself is operating normally.

• Some European airlines are still affected by government travel advisories.

• Insurance requirements have also delayed the return of certain carriers.

• Airlines continue using alternative flight paths through Saudi Arabia and southern air corridors to avoid restricted airspace.

Emirates

Dubai-Kuwait flights EK853, EK855, EK857 and EK859 have been cancelled on July 21. Return flights EK854, EK856, EK858 and EK860 from Kuwait to Dubai have also been cancelled.

Air Arabia

Following services have been cancelled:

Sharjah to Kuwait: G9068, G9124

Abu Dhabi to Kuwait: 3L020

International airlines: UAE flight suspensions and changes

Several international airlines have adjusted UAE schedules because of regional security concerns and airspace restrictions.

Passengers with bookings on affected airlines should check directly with carriers for refund, rebooking or travel waiver options.

Why flights are taking longer or being cancelled

Due to airspace restrictions and security concerns in parts of the region, some international flights are being rerouted.

Travellers may experience:

• Longer flight times: Some routes may take an additional 1–3 hours due to detours.

• Flight cancellations: Airlines may adjust schedules based on safety assessments.

• Longer connection times: Increased traffic at alternative airports can affect layovers.

• Possible baggage delays: Route changes may impact baggage transfers.

Before you travel today

Passengers are advised to:

• Check their flight status directly with their airline.

• Monitor SMS and email updates from their carrier.

• Leave extra time to reach the airport.

• Review the latest travel advisories if flying to destinations across the Gulf or the wider Middle East.

While the vast majority of flights from the UAE continue to operate, airlines say schedules remain subject to change as they continue to monitor the evolving regional security situation.