Iran tensions: UAE flights hit as Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia face regional disruptions

Dubai: Several airlines have cancelled or delayed flights connecting the UAE with Bahrain, Kuwait and other Gulf destinations amid continued tensions and security concerns in the region.

While air traffic in the UAE has largely remained operational, airlines reported disruptions to some routes, with around 16 flights cancelled on Monday due to ongoing developments.

UAE flights affected by Bahrain and Kuwait disruptions

Etihad Airways suspended flights between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait International Airport after citing operational reasons. Flights EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Kuwait were cancelled following the disruption.

Flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain were also affected. Etihad flight EY641 from Abu Dhabi to Bahrain International Airport faced delays after airport operations were impacted, while the return flight EY642 was also delayed. Etihad’s flight operations between Abu Dhabi and Chicago were also affected by delays due to operational reasons.

Emirates, Flydubai and Air Arabia flight changes

Emirates cancelled several flights between Dubai and Kuwait, including flights EK853, EK855, EK857 and EK859.

Flights between Dubai and Bahrain were also impacted, with Emirates flights EK835, EK837 and EK839 cancelled as Bahrain faced repeated security-related disruptions affecting aviation operations.

Flydubai also cancelled some Dubai-Bahrain flights, including FZ023, FZ021 and FZ029.

Air Arabia reported cancellations involving flights between Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Kuwait. Some Doha-bound flights were also cancelled, while other services continued according to airline updates.

Regional tensions affect Gulf aviation

The flight disruptions come as several Gulf countries face security challenges linked to escalating tensions in the region.

Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan have experienced increased concerns following renewed hostilities after a short-lived ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Authorities and airlines have continued monitoring the situation while adjusting flight schedules based on operational and security requirements.

Houthis announce maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over shipping activity in the Red Sea region.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the move was a response to what the group described as a blockade on Yemen and recent attacks on Sanaa International Airport.

The group said the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key global shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, would be affected by the decision.

Concerns over global shipping routes

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime passages, with a significant share of global trade passing through the route.

Previous Houthi attacks on commercial vessels during the Israel-Hamas war disrupted shipping and forced some companies to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing travel time and costs.

The latest announcement has raised concerns about renewed risks to maritime security and international trade routes.