In a recent update, travellers flying between the UAE and parts of the Gulf are facing major disruptions. As per Gulf New report, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia have announced the cancellation of select flights to Bahrain and Kuwait distrupting plans of passengers. The main reason behind the flight cancellations is current evolving regional security situation. The latest cancellations come amid increased tensions in the Middle East. It has prompted airlines to review operations and adjust schedules accordingly.June 31, 2026 Update As per latest airline updates, Etihad Airways has suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain until further notice. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has also cancelled flights EY653 and EY654 operating between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. Air Arabia has similarly cancelled selected services to Bahrain and Kuwait.However, normal flight operations continue across most of the UAE’s aviation network. Airports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah remain operational. Passengers travelling to destinations affected by regional tensions are advised to expect last-minute schedule changes.Travellers urged to verify flight status
Flights cancelled
Airlines are advising passengers not to head to the airport without confirming the status. Before heading to the airport, passengers are advised to:
- Check the flight status
- Trust only the airline’s official website or mobile app.
- Arrive early at the airport for additional security procedures or operational changes may lead to longer processing times.
The current flight disruption affects passengers using the UAE as a transit hub for onward travel to Bahrain and Kuwait. Even those with connecting flights must check the airline status. In the last few days, several airlines, including flydubai, Emirates and Qatar Airways, have temporarily suspended or changed selected services to destinations in the Gulf over the security concerns and passengers safety. As a result, further schedule revisions cannot be ruled out if the situation changes.What Indian travellers should know
Official update
A number of Indian travellers use UAE airports, particularly Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, as transit hubs for flights across the Gulf, Europe and North America. Passengers connecting through the UAE to Bahrain or Kuwait should monitor airline advisories closely and keep flexible travel plans wherever possible.For now, travellers are advised to check official airline notifications and not believe third-party booking platforms.Sources: Gulf News; official travel advisories and flight status updates from Etihad Airways and Air Arabia.
