An Emirates Airlines plane prepares to land at Dubai International Airport (AP Photo)
As tensions in the Middle East continue to impact regional air travel, several airlines have canceled or modified their flights between the UAE, Kuwait and parts of Saudi Arabia. While most airline networks remain operational, passengers are asked to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.According to a report by Gulf News, the disturbances are linked to ongoing regional security concerns and operational issues related to the airspace.
Cancellation of flights to Kuwait
Many UAE airlines suspended their services to and from Kuwait over the weekend.Etihad Airways has canceled flights EY653 and EY654 between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait International Airport on 19 and 20 July, due to operational reasons.The airline has advised affected passengers to update their contact details for the latest travel updates and assistance with rebooking.Emirates Airlines also canceled eight flights between Dubai and Kuwait, affecting the following services:Dubai to Kuwait
Kuwait to Dubai
Air Arabia suspends its multiple services in Kuwait
Air Arabia canceled several flights connecting Sharjah and Abu Dhabi to Kuwait.Canceled services include:
- Sharjah to Kuwait: G9068, G9124, G9121
- Kuwait to Sharjah: G9069, G9125 (while G9122 has not yet departed)
- Abu Dhabi to Kuwait: 3L020, 3L022
- Kuwait to Abu Dhabi: 3L021 (Flight 3L023 had not yet departed)
The airline said it continues to operate its wider network, although specific routes in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia remain affected.
Saudi Arabia’s roads were also disrupted
Flight operations at Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia were also affected.
Flydubai confirmed the cancellation of flight FZ811 between Dubai and Abha, while FZ815 is operating as scheduled.Air Arabia services between Sharjah and Abha also witnessed the cancellation of flights. However, domestic Saudi flights connecting Abha to cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Tabuk continue to operate.
Why are flights affected?
These unrest come amid escalating tensions in the region. Kuwait has temporarily suspended take-offs and landings at Kuwait International Airport after Iranian drone threats were reported, prompting airlines to review schedules and cancel selected services. Kuwait Airways has since rescheduled the majority of its commercial flights.
Which airlines do you advise passengers?
Despite the disruptions, UAE airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai and Air Arabia, continue to operate most of their networks.Passengers are advised to:
- Check their flight status directly with the airline before travelling.
- Arrive early to airports, especially Dubai International Airport, due to the busy summer travel season.
- Monitor updates regarding delays, cancellations, and rebooking options before departure.
