Saudi Arabia Aligns with India, UK, Qatar, UAE and Oman Under Fresh Travel Spotlight as Flight Cancellations, Airspace Warnings and New Entry Rules Reshape Summer Holidays, but What Should Travellers Know Before Flying?

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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July 16, 2026 11:21 GMT+5:30

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Saudi Arabia Aligns with India, UK, Qatar, UAE and Oman Under Fresh Travel Spotlight as Flight Cancellations, Airspace Warnings and New Entry Rules Reshape Summer Holidays. United Arab Emirates travellers are navigating an increasingly dynamic travel landscape as flight disruptions, updated government advisories and new entry requirements converge during one of the busiest holiday seasons of the year. From mandatory health declarations for passengers flying to India to flight cancellations affecting Saudi Arabia and renewed security guidance for British nationals, airlines and travellers alike are adapting to rapidly changing conditions across the Gulf.

Despite the evolving situation, airports across the UAE continue operating normally, airlines are expanding networks for the summer season, and millions of passengers are expected to travel through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah over the coming weeks. The latest updates are less about widespread travel shutdowns and more about staying informed before departure.

India Introduces Mandatory Air Suvidha 2.0 for UAE Travellers

Planning to fly from the UAE to India? There is now an important step you cannot afford to miss.

Passengers travelling to India must complete the Air Suvidha 2.0 Self-Declaration Form online before boarding. The digital health declaration, introduced following the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the Ebola/Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, can be submitted up to 24 hours before arrival.

After completing the form, travellers simply download the confirmation and present it electronically at the health desk or immigration counter upon arrival, removing the need for paper documentation.

India’s major gateways, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata, continue welcoming international arrivals, while airports remain fully operational.

Saudi Arabia Sees Fresh Flight Disruptions

Saudi Arabia experienced a second consecutive day of aviation disruption after Abha International Airport was affected by missile and drone attacks.

Several departures were cancelled, including flights connecting Dubai, Sharjah, Riyadh and Jeddah. Services operated by Saudia, flyadeal, flydubai and Air Arabia were among those affected.

Although operations at many other Saudi airports continue as scheduled, travellers heading to the Kingdom are advised to verify flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.

Abha International Airport is located approximately 25 kilometres from Abha city centre, a destination known for the Asir Mountains, cool summer climate and seasonal tourism. Hotels, supermarkets and local attractions across the wider region continue operating, although transport arrangements should be confirmed in advance.

UK Updates Travel Advice for Saudi Arabia

British travellers are also being urged to monitor developments carefully.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues advising against all travel within 10 kilometres of Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen and against all but essential travel within the wider border zone extending up to 80 kilometres.

The advisory notes that the regional security situation remains unpredictable despite recent diplomatic developments. Travellers are encouraged to monitor local news, avoid military and security facilities, review travel plans regularly and ensure their travel insurance remains valid, as some policies may not apply if travelling against official government advice.

UAE Airlines Continue Expanding Despite Regional Challenges

Here’s the interesting part—while headlines focus on disruptions, most UAE airlines are actually adding routes, increasing frequencies and preparing for record summer demand.

Emirates continues operating flights to 137 destinations across 72 countries. The airline expects one of its busiest summer seasons while also celebrating the completion of its 100th aircraft refurbishment under its fleet retrofit programme. Dubai International Airport, located about 15 kilometres from Downtown Dubai, remains fully operational, with passengers advised to arrive early due to increased holiday traffic.

Etihad Airways is operating more than 300 daily flights during its largest summer schedule to date, adding or restoring services to nine destinations. Zayed International Airport, approximately 30 kilometres from central Abu Dhabi, continues serving growing passenger volumes despite isolated technical delays affecting individual flights.

flydubai is encouraging passengers to check in online and arrive at Dubai International Airport at least four hours before departure. The airline has also resumed services to Aleppo while expanding its international network.

Air Arabia continues increasing services from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, with new routes to Rome Fiumicino and double-daily flights to London Gatwick strengthening its European network.

Gulf Airlines Expands Regional and International Networks

Elsewhere across the Gulf, airlines continue investing in tourism connectivity.

Qatar Airways is operating services to more than 160 destinations, while increasing frequencies between Doha and Dubai and restoring daily flights to Philadelphia.

Oman Air and SalamAir have added almost 200 extra flights between Muscat and Salalah during the Khareef season. Muscat International Airport lies around 32 kilometres from Mutrah, while Salalah Airport provides convenient access to the city’s hotels, beaches, frankincense heritage sites and supermarkets serving peak seasonal visitors.

Gulf Air continues restoring international services following the reopening of Bahrain’s airspace, while Saudia has partially resumed selected UAE routes.

Meanwhile, flynas, Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways are expanding or restoring international services across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

What Travellers Should Do Before Flying

With multiple advisories and operational updates emerging across the region, preparation has become more important than ever.

Passengers should confirm flight schedules directly with their airline, complete any required travel documentation before departure, monitor official government travel advisories and allow extra time at airports during the busy summer travel period.

Hotels, shopping centres, tourist attractions, supermarkets and public transport continue operating across major destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat and Bahrain, ensuring that tourism infrastructure remains fully accessible despite isolated transport disruptions.

Key Stats

• Air Suvidha 2.0 is now mandatory for UAE passengers travelling to India.
• Emirates operates flights to 137 destinations across 72 countries.
• Etihad Airways is operating more than 300 daily flights during Summer 2026.
• Qatar Airways serves more than 160 destinations.
• Oman Air and SalamAir have added 192 extra flights and 35,639 additional seats on the Muscat–Salalah route.
• Multiple departures from Abha International Airport were cancelled following recent attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do UAE airports remain operational?
Yes. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah airports continue operating normally.

Do travellers flying to India need Air Suvidha 2.0?
Yes. Eligible passengers must complete the digital self-declaration before boarding.

Should travellers flying to Saudi Arabia check their flight?
Yes. Passengers travelling to or from affected airports, particularly Abha, should confirm flight status with their airline before departure.

Timeline and Events

4 July 2026 – Air Arabia launched double-daily services between Sharjah and London Gatwick.

14 July 2026 – Canada updated its Saudi Arabia travel advisory.

15–16 July 2026 – Flight cancellations affected services at Abha International Airport following missile and drone attacks.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia Aligns with India, UK, Qatar, UAE and Oman Under Fresh Travel Spotlight as Flight Cancellations, Airspace Warnings and New Entry Rules Reshape Summer Holidays. The latest travel updates across the UAE and the wider Gulf highlight a summer season shaped by both opportunity and caution. While security developments and isolated airport disruptions have prompted new travel advisories and operational adjustments, the region’s aviation and tourism sectors continue functioning at full scale, with airlines expanding networks, airports welcoming record passenger numbers and destinations remaining open for visitors. For travellers, staying informed, checking airline updates and completing required travel formalities before departure will remain the key to a smoother journey throughout the busy holiday season.