Summer travel is in full swing. But if you’re flying to or from the UAE, it’s worth checking your itinerary twice. Several international airlines have extended flight suspensions, new entry requirements have come into effect nd airlines across the region continue to tweak schedules as the security situation evolves. While some routes remain on hold, it is more important than ever to stay informed before heading to the airport. Here’s everything you need to know before you fly.
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Latest Airline Updates
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines has extended the suspension of flights between Singapore and Dubai until October 24. Travellers whose flights have been cancelled can request a full refund for the unused portion of their ticket or explore alternative travel options.
British Airways
British Airways has extended its flexible booking policy for Dubai-bound passengers until October 31. Eligible travellers can change or cancel their bookings without the usual penalties if their travel plans are affected.
UK Flight Advisory
The UK’s latest travel advisory says that although recent diplomatic developments have eased tensions, the security situation across parts of the Middle East remains unpredictable. This means changes can occur with little notice. The advisory also notes that civilian infrastructure, including airports and hotels, has previously been affected during regional conflicts. This is why travellers are encouraged to:
- Stay updated on local developments.
- Follow guidance from local authorities.
- Keep travel plans flexible.
- Ensure travel documents remain valid.
- Avoid military and security sites where possible.
- Be prepared to shelter if instructed.
India Flight Advisory
Passengers travelling from the UAE to India must now complete the Air Suvidha 2.0 digital health declaration before boarding. The online form can be submitted up to 24 hours before arrival, and travellers simply present the downloaded confirmation upon landing. The measure follows the World Health Organisation’s declaration of an Ebola-related public health emergency involving parts of Central and East Africa.
Saudi Arabia Flight Advisory
Flight operations across Saudi Arabia continue to recover following recent missile and drone attacks that temporarily disrupted services, particularly at Abha International Airport. Although major airports like Riyadh and Jeddah continue operating, some flights with flydubai, Qatar Airways and Saudia remain cancelled or subject to change.
Several international governments are also advising travellers to exercise caution. This applies especially around Abha Airport, in areas close to the Yemeni border, and in other designated high-risk regions.
UAE Airline Updates
Etihad Airways
Etihad experienced several disruptions this week after the temporary closure of Bahrain’s airspace.
- Flight EY647 from Abu Dhabi to Bahrain returned to Abu Dhabi.
- Flights EY647 and EY648 were subsequently cancelled.
- Flight EY440 from Abu Dhabi to Manila was delayed due to a technical issue, and the return flight, EY441, was also delayed. Passengers are encouraged to check their booking details for the latest updates.
Emirates
Emirates is operating normally, with no significant cancellations currently reported. As summer travel picks up, the airline expects Dubai International Airport to be especially busy and recommends passengers:
- Check in online.
- Confirm baggage allowances.
- Arrive at the airport at least four hours before departure.
flydubai
flydubai continues expanding its network despite regional adjustments. Recent updates include:
- New daily flights to Aleppo, Syria.
- Recently launched services to Bangkok.
- Increased operations as summer travel demand grows.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia is adding more flights across its UAE hubs in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. New additions include:
- Non-stop flights between Sharjah and Rome.
- Double daily flights between Sharjah and London Gatwick.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is operating an expanded summer schedule with services to more than 160 destinations until mid-September. The airline has also:
- Resumed daily flights to Philadelphia from August.
- Increased Doha-Dubai services from two to five daily flights.
Oman Air & SalamAir
Direct services from Dubai and other Gulf cities are also expected to boost visitor numbers. To accommodate the busy Khareef tourism season, Oman Air and SalamAir have added:
- 192 extra flights
- Over 35,000 additional seats between Muscat and Salalah during July.
Gulf Air
Gulf Air is gradually restoring flights after Bahrain reopened its airspace. Services to London, Dubai, Istanbul and Riyadh have resumed, while the airline also continues expanding its fleet and destination network.
Saudia
Saudia operations currently remain limited. The airline has partially resumed flights on selected routes, including services linking:
- Jeddah and Dubai
- Abu Dhabi and Amman
flynas
Its Summer 2026 schedule now includes more than 25 international destinations! flynas continues growing its international network with new direct flights to:
- Aleppo
- Alexandria
- Munich
- Budapest
Kuwait Airways
Kuwait Airways has resumed normal operations following earlier disruptions and is currently serving destinations including Dubai, London, Istanbul, Mumbai, Delhi, Manila and Guangzhou.
Jazeera Airways
Jazeera Airways continues restoring flights from Kuwait to destinations including Dubai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Cairo, Beirut and Istanbul. However, passengers should remain aware that intermittent airspace restrictions could still affect schedules.
International Airline Updates
Air Astana
Flights to the UAE remain suspended until July 31. Passengers will be eligible for refunds or complimentary rebooking.
Air India & Air India Express
Flights continue operating, although occasional airspace-related delays remain possible. The airline has also:
- Launched direct flights between Navi Mumbai and Abu Dhabi.
- Announced a new partnership with Riyadh Air to improve connectivity.
Air Canada
Flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until October 24.
IndiGo
IndiGo continues operating most Gulf routes but has temporarily suspended services to several Asian destinations until September 30. Manchester flights remain cancelled until August 31.
Turkish Airlines
Services to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Damascus and Amman have resumed. Dubai flights are increasing to 14 weekly services, and flights to Iran remain suspended.
KLM
Flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam are suspended until August 23.
Lufthansa Group
Services to Dubai remain suspended until September 13. However, flights to several destinations in the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Muscat and Beirut, remain suspended until October 24.
Air France
Air France is maintaining its wider summer expansion plans. However, the airline continues to suspend flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Beirut and Tel Aviv until further notice due to the regional security situation.
Cathay Pacific
Flights to Dubai and Riyadh remain suspended until August 3, and bookings will reopen from September 1.
Philippine Airlines
Flights between Manila and Doha have resumed. Manila-Dubai services remain suspended until October 2.
Cebu Pacific
The airline has resumed Manila-Dubai services. The airline is currently operating four flights each week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Travel conditions across the region continue to evolve. And airlines are regularly updating schedules as circumstances change. To avoid wasting your commute time heading to the airport, it’s always best to check your flight status directly with your airline. And keep your eyes on Gulf Buzz for all the latest travel news and airline updates.
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