Emirates has resumed flights between Dubai and Kuwait after an extended suspension owing to the regional conflict, although services remain significantly below previous levels.
Flight EK857 departs Dubai International Airport at 2.55pm and arrives at Kuwait International Airport at 3.45pm local time.
It marks a limited resumption for one of Emirates’ key Gulf routes. Before the disruption, the airline operated four daily services to Kuwait – EK853, EK855, EK857 and EK859.
Emirates suspended its Kuwait services amid regional security concerns and disruption to air travel in the Gulf. As recently as August 14, no Emirates-operated flights between Dubai and Kuwait were listed on the airline’s website.
The Dubai-based airline had also suspended services to Bahrain, but began a limited return to that route on August 15 with one daily flight, down from three before the disruption.
Emirates’ return to Kuwait means both of the UAE’s major long-haul airlines are now operating limited services to the country.
Etihad also reduced its Kuwait operations during the recent unrest, with only one daily service operating by mid-August. EY653 departs Zayed International Airport at 8.10am local time, arriving at 9am local time in Kuwait.
Flights between the UAE and Kuwait have faced repeated disruption in recent weeks. Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and flydubai have all adjusted or cancelled services at various points, while Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways have continued to operate several daily flights between Kuwait and the UAE.
Airlines have continued to review their Gulf schedules as the security situation evolves, with passengers advised to check the status of their flights before travelling.