Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with airlines before travelling, allow extra time at airports and stay updated on any changes to departure times or routes.UAE-Kuwait flights affectedAir travel between the UAE and Kuwait has been disrupted, with several airlines cancelling services amid regional developments.Etihad AirwaysEtihad cancelled flights EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Kuwait International Airport on July 19 and 20, 2026 due to operational reasons.The airline advised affected passengers to update their contact details to receive the latest travel information and assistance with rebooking.EmiratesSeveral Emirates flights between Dubai and Kuwait have been cancelled, according to flight status updates.Cancelled flights include:Dubai to KuwaitEK853EK855EK857EK860Kuwait to DubaiEK854EK856EK858EK860Air ArabiaAir Arabia cancelled several UAE-Kuwait services.Sharjah to KuwaitG9068 — CancelledG9124 — CancelledG9121 — CancelledAbu Dhabi to Kuwait3L020 — Cancelled3L022 — CancelledKuwait to Abu Dhabi3L021 — Cancelled3L023 — Not yet departedKuwait to SharjahG9069 — CancelledG9125 — CancelledG9122 — Not yet departedflydubaiNo updates have been issued on Kuwait flights.flydubai reported a cancellation on the Dubai-Abha route:FZ811 — CancelledFZ815 — Operating as scheduledSaudi Arabia flight updatesFlight disruptions at Abha International Airport have continued, affecting UAE-linked services.flydubai flights between Dubai and Abha remain affected.Air Arabia’s Sharjah-Abha services have also faced cancellations.Several domestic Saudi flights connecting Abha with Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Tabuk continue operating.Travellers heading to Saudi Arabia should check airline updates before departure.UAE airlines: Latest operational updatesEtihad AirwaysEtihad continues operating its network, although some flights have faced delays due to operational issues.Passengers should check individual flight status before travelling.EmiratesEmirates continues operating its wider network and has expanded services across its destinations.Passengers affected by cancellations can check rebooking and refund options based on ticket conditions.Travellers are advised to arrive early at Dubai International Airport during the busy summer travel period.flydubaiflydubai continues operating across its network, with passengers advised to check schedules before travelling.Travellers departing from Dubai International Airport should arrive at least four hours before departure during the summer peak period.Air ArabiaAir Arabia continues operating from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.The airline’s main immediate disruptions remain selected UAE-Saudi routes, including Sharjah-Abha, as well as some UAE-Kuwait services.International airlines: UAE flight suspensions and changesSeveral international airlines have adjusted UAE schedules because of regional security concerns and airspace restrictions.Passengers with bookings on affected airlines should check directly with carriers for refund, rebooking or travel waiver options.Why flights are taking longer or being cancelledDue to airspace restrictions and security concerns in parts of the region, some international flights are being rerouted.Travellers may experience:Longer flight times: Some routes may take an additional 1–3 hours due to detours.Flight cancellations: Airlines may adjust schedules based on safety assessments.Longer connection times: Increased traffic at alternative airports can affect layovers.Possible baggage delays: Route changes may impact baggage transfers.UAE travel advice for passengersBefore heading to the airport:Check your airline’s latest flight status.Confirm your contact details are updated with the airline.Arrive early, especially during the summer travel peak.Avoid relying on unverified social media updates.Follow guidance from UAE authorities and airlines.What UAE passengers should look out for before flyingUAE airports remain operational, but passengers should expect possible short-notice schedule changes as airlines continue monitoring the regional situation. Travellers are advised to stay flexible, check updates before departure and plan extra time for possible delays or rerouting.