Airlines have announced fresh flight cancellations and delays across the Middle East, with services between the UAE and Saudi Arabia among the worst affected due to ongoing operational and security concerns.
Flights to and from Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia remained suspended for a fourth consecutive day on Friday, disrupting travel between Dubai, Sharjah and Abha. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, as additional cancellations continue to appear on airline schedules.
Etihad announces delays
Etihad Airways confirmed delays to its Abu Dhabi–Toronto (EY21) service on July 17, citing operational reasons. The return Toronto–Abu Dhabi (EY22) flight has also been delayed.
The airline also reported delays to its Abu Dhabi–London Heathrow (EY063) service due to technical issues, while some flights to Washington experienced disruptions.
UAE-Saudi routes remain affected
All scheduled flydubai services between Dubai and Abha, as well as Air Arabia’s Sharjah–Abha flights, remain cancelled.
Despite the suspension of international services to the UAE, Abha Airport continues to operate several domestic flights connecting Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah and Tabuk.
Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, continue to advise travellers to exercise caution near the Saudi-Yemen border because of the risk of missile and drone attacks.
UK issues fresh travel advisory
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice, warning that the regional security situation remains unpredictable despite recent diplomatic developments between the US and Iran.
British travellers have been urged to monitor local developments, follow official guidance and review travel plans regularly.
Airline operations
Several Gulf and international airlines have adjusted their schedules:
- Emirates is operating normally and expects heavy summer travel demand.
- flydubai has increased operations for the peak travel season and resumed flights to Aleppo.
- Air Arabia is expanding services from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, while adding new European destinations.
- Qatar Airways has increased Doha–Dubai flights and will resume daily Philadelphia services from August 1.
- Saudia has partially resumed flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman.
- Oman Air, SalamAir, Gulf Air, flynas, Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways are gradually restoring and expanding regional services.
Among international carriers:
- Air Canada has suspended flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv until October 24.
- British Airways has extended its flexible booking policy for passengers travelling to several Middle East destinations.
- Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Damascus, Beirut and Amman, although services to Iran remain suspended.
- KLM has suspended flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until August 23.
- Lufthansa Group has extended suspensions on several Middle East routes until September and October.
- Air France, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Philippine Airlines also continue to suspend or adjust services to selected destinations due to the regional security situation.
Passengers travelling to or through the Middle East are advised to check the latest updates with their respective airlines before departure, as schedules remain subject to change.
Which flights are currently affected by the latest Middle East disruptions?
Flights between Dubai, Sharjah and Abha remain suspended, while several international airlines have also delayed or cancelled selected services to destinations across the Middle East due to operational and security concerns.
Which airlines have announced schedule changes?
Airlines including Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, Air Canada, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Philippine Airlines have announced delays, cancellations or temporary route suspensions.
What should passengers do before travelling?
Passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airline before leaving for the airport, as schedules remain subject to change because of ongoing regional security and operational issues.
Also read: Are direct flights being resumed between Pakistan-US?