Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia cancel multiple services; travelers urged to check status and arrive early during peak summer rush.
DUBAI:Airlines across the United Arab Emirates have cancelled numerous flights connecting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah with Kuwait and Bahrain, citing operational challenges linked to the evolving regional security situation.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia issued travel alerts confirming widespread cancellations and disruptions on key regional routes. The flight adjustments coincide with a surge in summer peak travel, prompting major UAE carriers to issue travel advisories urging passengers to verify flight statuses before heading to the airport and to allow additional processing time.
Emirates Flight Disruptions
Emirates has suspended several flights operating between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and both Kuwait (KWI) and Bahrain (BAH).
Dubai (DXB) – Kuwait (KWI) Affected Flights:
- Cancelled Outbound: EK853, EK855, EK857, EK859
- Cancelled Inbound: EK854, EK856, EK858, EK860
- Additional Affected Flights (July 23): Outbound EK853, EK855, EK871, EK857, EK859; Inbound EK854, EK856, EK872, EK858, EK860
Dubai (DXB) – Bahrain (BAH) Affected Flights:
- Cancelled Outbound: EK835, EK837, EK839
- Cancelled Inbound: EK836, EK838, EK840
- Additional Affected Flights (July 23): Outbound EK835, EK837, EK839, EK833; Inbound EK836, EK838, EK840, EK834
Emirates has advised affected passengers to utilize online check-in, self-service bag drop facilities, and mobile apps for real-time status updates.
Etihad Airways Operations
Etihad Airways confirmed that flights connecting Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) with Kuwait and Bahrain have been impacted due to operational constraints.
- Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Kuwait (KWI): Flights EY653 and EY654 remain cancelled through July 24, 2026.
- Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Bahrain (BAH): Flights EY647 and EY648 scheduled for July 23, 2026, have been cancelled.
The carrier confirmed that dedicated service teams are actively assisting affected passengers with rebooking and alternative travel arrangements.
flydubai & Air Arabia Disruptions
flydubai cancelled key services between Dubai and Bahrain on July 22, including outbound flights FZ023, FZ021, and FZ027, as well as inbound services FZ024, FZ022, and FZ028. The airline noted that its Dubai-Kuwait route remains operational as scheduled, subject to regular safety monitoring.
Air Arabia reported widespread route cancellations affecting flights out of both Sharjah and Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Kuwait (KWI): Cancelled 3L020 and 3L021; un-departed 3L022 and 3L023.
- Sharjah (SHJ) – Kuwait (KWI): Cancelled outbound G9068, G9124 and inbound G9069, G9125; un-departed G9121 and G9122.
- Sharjah (SHJ) – Bahrain (BAH): Cancelled G9107, G9108, G9106; un-departed G9101, G9103, G9102, G9104.
- Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Bahrain (BAH): Un-departed status for 3L015, 3L017, 3L016, and 3L018.
Summer Peak Advisory & Transit Options
Passengers departing from Dubai International Airport are advised to arrive at least three hours before departure and reach boarding gates 60 minutes prior to take-off. Travelers heading to Terminal 3 can utilize the Dubai Metro, which operates from 5:00 AM to Midnight (Mon–Thu, Sat), 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM (Fri), and 8:00 AM to Midnight (Sun).
