The usual summer travel rush is also adding to pressure at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports. Passengers are advised to allow extra time for check-in, security and immigration.
Regional security continues to affect flights
Airlines continue to monitor regional security developments as they plan routes and operations.
US President Donald Trump said the situation with Iran was “going fine” and claimed US forces were in “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military also said it had disabled a Panama-flagged cargo ship heading towards an Iranian port after it ignored warnings, firing two Hellfire missiles at the vessel’s steering gear.
The wider regional situation continues to affect shipping and aviation. Yemen has accused Iran-backed Houthis of killing six people in a “double-tap” strike on a commercial vessel in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, while a UK maritime monitor reported an incident involving a container ship and military forces in the Gulf of Oman.
US officials have also warned that the continued shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz could push up oil and gas prices. Shipping data does not support Trump’s claim that the waterway is “open”.
Travelling to Delhi after the summer rush?
Passengers flying to Delhi should allow extra time at the airport as security measures are being stepped up ahead of India’s Independence Day on August 15.
Air India has advised passengers travelling between August 10 and 20 to arrive well ahead of departure. SpiceJet has issued a similar advisory for passengers travelling between August 11 and 20, citing enhanced security checks and airport formalities.
The advisories come during a busy period for travel between India and the UAE, with many passengers travelling for family visits and returning to the UAE after the summer break.
Delhi is also tightening security ahead of Independence Day. Several roads near the Red Fort will be closed from 4 am to 10 am on Thursday for the full-dress rehearsal, while commuters have been advised to use alternative routes.
Delhi’s weather is another factor. Airlines have warned that bad weather could affect departures, arrivals and connecting flights, with passengers advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
International airline updates
Several international airlines continue to adjust their Middle East operations as the regional security situation remains unpredictable.
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British Airways: Flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman remain suspended until October 25. Frequencies to Doha and Riyadh have also been reduced, while Jeddah flights have been permanently suspended.
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Philippine Airlines: Manila–Doha flights have resumed, but Dubai services remain suspended until October 2.
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Air France: Flights to Riyadh are suspended until August 14, while Dubai and Beirut services remain suspended until August 18.
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Turkish Airlines: Flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi have resumed, while services to Iran remain suspended.
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Air Canada: Dubai and Tel Aviv suspensions have been extended, with Dubai services not expected to resume until mid-January 2027.
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Singapore Airlines: The resumption of Dubai flights has been pushed back 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
Passengers should check their airline’s latest flight information before leaving home and arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure.
Travellers should also allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration, use online check-in where available and keep their contact details updated so airlines can send real-time alerts.
With the summer travel rush continuing and regional security conditions still affecting some routes, passengers should be prepared for last-minute changes and follow their airline’s latest instructions before setting off for the airport.
Passengers travelling to Delhi should also arrive early, with airlines advising travellers to allow extra time for enhanced security checks and airport formalities ahead of India’s Independence Day on August 15.