UAE–India travel: What passengers need to know
Flights between the UAE and India remain a key focus for travellers during the summer peak. Passengers heading to India should also factor in tighter airport security ahead of the country’s Independence Day on August 15.
Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have advised passengers to arrive early, warning that additional security checks could increase processing times.
Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet have likewise asked passengers travelling during the Independence Day period to allow extra time for security screening, check-in and other airport formalities.
Regional updates
Beyond today’s flight changes, ongoing geopolitical tensions across the Gulf continue to affect regional travel, shipping and energy supplies. Key developments include the Strait of Hormuz, oil markets, regional talks and security concerns.
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Strait of Hormuz: Traffic remains extremely low despite claims by Trump that the US has “total control”. The IEA says reopening the waterway is increasingly urgent as oil stocks fall rapidly.
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Latest talks: Iran is demanding compensation over alleged pollution in the Arabian Gulf and surrounding waters.
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Trump’s stance: Trump insists the Strait is open and under US control, while Tehran says it will remain closed until its demands are met.
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Oil prices: The disruption is raising concerns over global energy supplies, with US officials warning of higher oil and gas prices.
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Regional tensions: Israel has resumed strikes in Gaza and operations in southern Lebanon despite existing ceasefires.
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Oman oil spill: A spill from a Russian crude tanker has affected up to 40km of coastline near Ras Madrakah, with Masirah Island also at risk.
UAE flight updates
Etihad: Abu Dhabi–Bahrain flights cancelled
Etihad Airways said its flights between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport have been cancelled due to operational reasons.
Affected passengers have been advised to check that their contact details are up to date and to monitor updates from the airline.
Etihad’s Abu Dhabi–Kuwait services for today, August 13, remain scheduled:
Emirates adjusts selected Bahrain and Kuwait flights
Emirates’ latest information shows flight status for several Dubai services was unavailable at the time of checking:
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Dubai (DXB) to Kuwait (KWI): status unavailable
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Dubai (DXB) to Bahrain (BAH): status unavailable
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Dubai (DXB) to Algiers (ALG): cancelled
Emirates said flight status information for the affected routes will be available 24 hours before departure.
Emirates also said Dubai-bound passengers can now change their travel dates without a fee an unlimited number of times under measures introduced on August 10, although fare and tax differences may apply.
flydubai: Operating as scheduled
flydubai said flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled.
The airline has nonetheless advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling, complete online check-in where available, and allow additional time to reach Dubai International Airport during the busy summer period.
Passengers departing from Dubai on flydubai are advised to arrive at least four hours before departure.
Air Arabia: Several cancellations reported
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has reported changes to a number of services between the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain:
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3L020: Cancelled
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3L022: Not yet departed
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3L015: Not yet departed
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3L017: Not yet departed
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3L016: Not yet departed
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3L018: Not yet departed
Air Arabia services from Sharjah have also been affected:
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G9068: Cancelled
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G9124: Cancelled
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G9121: Not yet departed
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G9069: Cancelled
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G9125: Cancelled
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G9122: Not yet departed
International airlines adjust Gulf services
Several international airlines have suspended or modified selected UAE and regional routes.
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British Airways has suspended flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman until October 25, and has reduced frequencies to Doha and Riyadh.
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Philippine Airlines‘ Dubai services remain suspended until October 2.
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Air France has suspended Riyadh flights until August 14, and Dubai and Beirut services until August 18.
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Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, though services to Iran remain suspended.
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Air Canada has extended its Dubai and Tel Aviv suspensions, with Dubai services not expected to resume until mid-January 2027.
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Singapore Airlines has pushed back the resumption of its Dubai flights to October 24.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has extended its conflict-zone advisory covering Gulf airspace until August 31, citing risks linked to missile and drone activity.
What UAE travellers should do today
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Check flight status before leaving home.
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Follow the latest updates via the airline’s website or app.
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Arrive at least three hours before departure — earlier where the airline advises.
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Allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration.
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Keep passports, IDs and boarding passes readily accessible.
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Use online check-in where available.
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Ensure contact details are up to date for airline alerts.
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Be prepared for last-minute schedule changes or cancellations.
Guidance for UAE passengers
Most UAE flights continue to operate normally, but cancellations and schedule changes remain concentrated on select Bahrain and Kuwait routes, with wider regional services still affected by the broader security situation.
For UAE travellers heading to India, the added factor today is heightened airport security ahead of Independence Day on August 15. Passengers should allow extra time at Indian airports and check with their airline before setting out.