Emirates, Etihad extend Bahrain and Kuwait cancellations as Qatar Airways resumes flights
Qatar Airways is resuming daily flights to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Erbil starting August 8, while Emirates and Etihad Airways have extended flight cancellations to these destinations due to regional tensions and safety concerns. Emirates has suspended all services to Bahrain and Kuwait until at least August 6, canceling seven daily flights. Etihad has canceled several flights to Bahrain and Kuwait citing 'operational reasons' and prioritizing passenger and crew safety. Other international carriers like British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France have also adjusted or suspended Middle East routes. Flydubai and Air Arabia continue operating services to Bahrain and Kuwait, though some flights may still face cancellations. Meanwhile, Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, and Gulf Air maintain flights to UAE cities, highlighting ongoing disruptions in the region.
Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have announced the resumption of flights to Bahrain and Kuwait starting August 8, marking a potential shift in the ongoing disruptions affecting Middle East air travel. This follows extended flight cancellations by Emirates and Etihad, which have persisted for over two weeks due to heightened regional tensions and operational uncertainties. The move by Qatar Airways comes amid broader adjustments by international carriers, who have recalibrated their schedules in response to security concerns and airspace restrictions. The disruptions began earlier this month, with Emirates suspending all services to Bahrain and Kuwait, canceling seven daily flights. The airline’s three daily flights to Bahrain, EK835, EK837, and EK839, and four daily flights to Kuwait, EK853, EK855, EK857, and EK859, were among those affected. The airline stated that these cancellations were necessary due to operational reasons, emphasizing that the safety and comfort of passengers and crew remained its top priority. Similarly, Etihad Airways canceled flights EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait International Airport, citing similar operational challenges. Flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain International Airport were also suspended, with the airline offering apologies for the resulting inconvenience. While Emirates and Etihad have extended their cancellations into early August, other UAE-based carriers such as flydubai and Air Arabia continue to operate services to both destinations, albeit with some flights remaining subject to cancellation. Meanwhile, local carriers like Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways maintain regular flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Gulf Air continues to provide services to the UAE cities from Bahrain. These domestic carriers appear less impacted by the current situation compared to their international counterparts. Qatar Airways, however, has taken a different approach, announcing its intention to resume daily services to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Erbil beginning August 8. The airline continues to operate flights between Doha and UAE cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, indicating a more stable position within the region. This decision contrasts with the continued uncertainty faced by Emirates and Etihad, whose operations have been significantly affected by the evolving security landscape. The broader context reveals that the disruptions are not confined to UAE airlines alone. International carriers such as British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa Group, and Air France have also made adjustments to their Middle East routes. British Airways has delayed the resumption of flights to Dubai, Bahrain, and Amman until October 25, maintaining only a reduced schedule to Doha and Riyadh. KLM has suspended services to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam until August 23, citing concerns over flying through the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel, and parts of the Arabian Gulf. Lufthansa and Swiss Airlines have similarly adjusted their schedules, while Air France has temporarily halted flights to Saudi Arabia. Security concerns and airspace restrictions remain central to the decisions being made by airlines. Many carriers have referenced these factors as key drivers behind their schedule changes, noting that the situation continues to evolve with little sign of immediate resolution. Despite growing hopes for de-escalation, the US and Iran have continued to exchange threats, contributing to the persistent sense of instability in the region. As the new week begins, the resumption of flights by Qatar Airways signals a possible turning point in the current state of Middle East air travel. However, the continued cancellations by Emirates and Etihad suggest that the situation remains complex and unpredictable. With further developments likely in the coming days, travelers are advised to monitor updates from their respective airlines before making travel arrangements.
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