Emirates And Etihad Airways Issues Urgent Travel Advisory For Travellers As UAE Keeps Skies Open Across The Middle East While Foreign Airlines Extend Dubai And Abu Dhabi Flight Suspensions Through October 2026

Written By: Srishty Mishra

Srishty Mishra

A passionate storyteller and emerging journalist, I am currently pursuing my Master’s in English at DU while diving deep into the world of journalism. With two years of practical experience, I have cultivated a knack for transforming ideas into engaging narratives that captivate readers. My journey blends academic insight with real-world reporting, allowing me to explore culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and informed lens. Committed to delivering fresh, authentic, and impactful content, I strive to make every story not just read, but truly experienced.

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July 18, 2026 12:59 PM

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Emirates and Etihad Airways have issued urgent travel guidance as UAE aviation continues operating major flight networks across the Middle East, with no nationwide suspension of commercial flights despite rising regional uncertainty and changing airline safety decisions. Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia remain active across most routes from UAE airports, while selected Bahrain and Abha services face temporary disruptions and some flights experience operational adjustments. At the same time, several foreign carriers have extended Dubai and Abu Dhabi service suspensions into August, September and October 2026 due to separate risk assessments and aviation advisories. UAE airlines continue monitoring conditions closely, urging passengers to check flight updates, confirm schedules before travelling and rely on official communication channels as the Middle East aviation landscape undergoes significant changes.

Emirates and Etihad Airways have issued urgent travel guidance for passengers as UAE aviation continues operating a wide network across the Middle East despite regional uncertainty, while several foreign airlines have extended Dubai and Abu Dhabi flight suspensions into August, September and October 2026.

The UAE has not announced any nationwide suspension of commercial aviation operations. Major carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia continue operating flights across most destinations from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

However, airlines are following a route-by-route approach as regional developments continue affecting selected destinations. Some flights have been cancelled, some services have faced longer routings, and several international carriers have adopted separate safety measures based on aviation risk assessments.

The latest operational picture shows a clear difference between UAE-based airlines and some foreign carriers. While UAE airlines continue maintaining connectivity, several overseas operators have temporarily suspended selected Dubai and Abu Dhabi services because of changing regional security conditions and aviation authority recommendations.

Passengers travelling through the UAE have been advised to regularly check flight status, confirm departure information before reaching airports and remain updated through official airline communication channels.

Emirates, Etihad, flydubai And Air Arabia Continue Strong Network Operations

Despite uncertainty across parts of the Middle East, UAE airlines continue supporting passenger movement through their major hubs. Emirates continues operating its large Dubai International Airport network, while Etihad Airways maintains services from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Emirates has not reported a major network-wide cancellation pattern during the latest operational review. The airline continues serving its global destinations, although passengers may experience adjustments on certain routes because of changing airspace conditions and operational requirements.

Etihad Airways has also continued flying across its network while monitoring developments closely. The airline recorded some delays affecting flights on July 16 and July 17, including services connected with Toronto, London, Washington and Tokyo Narita. These delays were linked to technical and operational factors rather than a wider suspension caused by regional security developments.

flydubai continues operating its network from Dubai, although temporary rerouting has affected selected services. The airline has advised passengers departing from Dubai International Airport during the busy summer period to arrive at least four hours before departure due to increased travel demand and operational requirements.

Air Arabia remains operational from its UAE bases, with its main disruption currently linked to the suspension of selected flights between Sharjah and Abha. Beyond those route-specific changes, the airline continues serving its wider network.

The continued operations of these carriers highlight the UAE’s effort to maintain aviation connectivity during a period of increased regional pressure.

UAE Airlines Issue Passenger Awareness Guidance Amid Regional Uncertainty

Emirates and Etihad Airways have focused their passenger communication on awareness, preparation and real-time updates rather than announcing broad flight suspensions.

Travellers have been encouraged to check their booking status before travelling to airports, monitor airline notifications and remain prepared for possible schedule adjustments. Airlines are also advising passengers to use official websites, mobile applications and customer service channels for the latest updates.

For Emirates passengers, the key advice remains checking flight status before departure because operational conditions can change quickly. Travellers are also encouraged to provide updated contact information linked to their bookings so they can receive important notifications.

Etihad Airways has similarly maintained passenger communication by providing updates through official channels. The airline continues reviewing flight operations and making decisions based on safety evaluations, airport availability and regulatory guidance.

Both airlines are reminding passengers that individual routes may experience changes even when the wider network remains operational.

The passenger awareness message from UAE carriers reflects a wider aviation approach being adopted across the region. Airlines are balancing continued connectivity with careful operational planning.

Foreign Airlines Extend Dubai And Abu Dhabi Flight Suspensions

While UAE airlines continue operating, several foreign carriers have taken a more cautious approach and extended temporary suspensions affecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi services.

Aegean Airlines has cancelled Dubai flights until August 31, 2026. airBaltic has extended its Dubai suspension until October 24, 2026.

Air Canada has also listed Dubai flight cancellations until October 24, while ITA Airways has maintained its Dubai suspension until the same date.

Lufthansa and SWISS have extended their Dubai service suspension until September 13. Lufthansa Group airlines have also removed Abu Dhabi services from schedules until October 24.

British Airways has paused Dubai operations through the summer period, with schedules showing a planned return on October 25.

Singapore Airlines has extended its Dubai flight cancellation period until October 24. Wizz Air has suspended mainland Europe services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi until mid-September.

Cathay Pacific has also adjusted its Middle East schedule. The airline postponed the planned return of daily Hong Kong-Dubai services from September 1 to October 25. Riyadh operations are scheduled to restart on October 26 under the revised timetable.

KLM extended its Amsterdam-Dubai suspension through August 23, 2026. Regional restrictions have also affected its Riyadh and Dammam operations.

These decisions show that airlines are adopting individual strategies rather than following one unified regional response.

Selected Bahrain And Abha Routes Face Operational Disruptions

Although UAE aviation remains active, some destinations have experienced short-term disruptions.

Etihad Airways cancelled Abu Dhabi-Bahrain flights EY647 and EY648 on July 16 after Bahrain International Airport temporarily closed. One affected flight returned to Abu Dhabi during the disruption.

Etihad has not announced a wider suspension covering its Bahrain network, indicating that the disruption remains limited to specific operations.

Flights between the UAE and Abha have also faced challenges. flydubai services between Dubai and Abha remained cancelled on July 17, while Air Arabia continued keeping Sharjah-Abha flights removed from schedules for the fourth consecutive day.

Domestic Saudi flights continued operating at Abha, but international connections with the UAE remained affected because of regional route instability.

Passengers travelling on these routes face the highest possibility of short-notice schedule changes and have been advised to confirm updates before heading to airports.

EASA Aviation Warning Influences Foreign Airline Decisions

A major factor behind several foreign airline decisions has been guidance from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

EASA issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin on July 14 covering UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and parts of the Gulf of Oman. The guidance remains active until July 29.

The advisory highlighted potential risks connected with missile and drone activity, air defence operations, interceptions, falling debris and possible sudden airspace closures.

The warning recommends that airlines operating under EASA rules avoid affected airspace areas. However, it does not represent an official closure of UAE airports or UAE airspace by local authorities.

UAE-based airlines operate under national aviation regulators and conduct their own security assessments. This difference explains why Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia continue operating while some foreign carriers have chosen longer suspensions.

UAE Aviation Expansion Continues Despite Regional Pressure

Even during this challenging period, some UAE aviation expansion continues.

Etihad Airways increased its Abu Dhabi-Kabul services from one daily flight to two daily flights on July 15.

Air India Express launched direct Navi Mumbai-Abu Dhabi flights on July 15, while Indore-Abu Dhabi services also resumed on the same day.

SunExpress restored its Antalya-Dubai operation from July 15, adding another international connection to the UAE aviation market.

These developments demonstrate that airlines continue adjusting networks based on passenger demand, operational conditions and long-term connectivity plans.

Travellers Must Stay Alert Before UAE Journeys

The current Middle East aviation situation remains highly dynamic, but UAE airports continue functioning with major airlines maintaining operations.

Travellers flying with Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia should continue checking flight updates before departure and remain aware that specific routes may change depending on operational conditions.

Passengers booked on foreign carriers should carefully review suspension timelines, rebooking options and refund policies. Airlines including Cathay Pacific, KLM and other international operators have introduced flexible arrangements for affected travellers.

Emirates and Etihad Airways have issued urgent travel guidance as UAE aviation remains operational across the Middle East, with major carriers continuing flights despite regional instability and selected route disruptions. UAE airlines are maintaining strong connectivity while several foreign carriers extend Dubai and Abu Dhabi flight suspensions until October 2026 due to separate safety assessments and aviation advisories.

The latest aviation developments show that the UAE remains a key global aviation hub, with airlines balancing connectivity, safety and changing regional conditions. For travellers, staying informed through official airline updates remains the most important step before beginning any journey across the Middle East.