Updated: August 13, 2026

For North American travelers: If you have a Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Riyadh, or other Middle East itinerary, do not assume that a previously booked flight will operate as scheduled. Airlines continue to adjust routes as regional security conditions and airspace restrictions change.

Need help with a flight booking, cancellation, re-booking, rescheduling, or upgrade? Call 1-877-730-2630. Travelers can also call the toll-free number to ask about the current status of their itinerary before heading to the airport.

Important: The phone number above is provided by the travel-assistance service publishing this article and is not presented as an official customer-service number for Emirates, Air Canada, British Airways, or any other airline. Airline-specific policies can change, so travelers should also verify important decisions with their carrier.

Dubai and Middle East Flight Disruptions Are Still Affecting Travelers

For travelers in the United States and Canada, a trip to Dubai can involve much more than a nonstop flight. Dubai International Airport is a major connecting point between North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, meaning disruption on one regional route can affect passengers whose final destination is thousands of miles away.

The latest picture is mixed.

Some Middle Eastern airlines have restored or expanded portions of their networks. Others continue to operate reduced schedules. At the same time, several international airlines have extended suspensions to Dubai and other destinations, in some cases well into the autumn and, for certain services, into 2027.

That uneven recovery is one of the most important facts for passengers to understand.

The situation is not simply a matter of saying that “Dubai flights are cancelled” or “Dubai flights are back.” Individual airlines, routes, dates and flight numbers can have completely different operating statuses.

A report published by Condé Nast Traveller Middle East on August 10, 2026, said airlines were continuing to update schedules as the regional situation evolved. Its reporting identified a combination of resumed services by regional carriers and extended suspensions by international airlines. Condé Nast Traveller

Travelers should therefore check the specific flight rather than relying on general statements about an airport or country.

For passengers who need assistance reviewing an itinerary, changing travel dates, cancelling a booking, rebooking a disrupted trip, or exploring an available upgrade, call 1-877-730-2630.

Why Are Middle East Flights Still Being Disrupted?

The current disruption is connected to continuing security concerns and restrictions affecting airspace across parts of the Middle East.

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East reported on August 10 that flight disruptions were expected as the United States and Iran continued mediator-led negotiations involving the Strait of Hormuz. The publication also reported that Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan had faced missile and drone attacks following the end of an earlier ceasefire agreement. Condé Nast Traveller

Those developments matter to commercial aviation because airlines must consider not only the destination airport but also the airspace used to reach it.

An aircraft traveling between North America and the Middle East may cross or approach multiple airspace regions. If a particular corridor becomes restricted or is considered unsuitable for normal operations, airlines may have to reroute aircraft, cancel services, alter schedules or temporarily suspend flights.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency, or EASA, has also maintained conflict-zone guidance concerning the region. Its current bulletin advises operators to closely monitor developments and follow relevant aeronautical publications and national guidance. EASA

For travelers, the result can be frustrating: an airport may be functioning while a particular flight remains cancelled.

That distinction is crucial.

Dubai Airport Can Be Operating While Your Flight Is Still Cancelled

One of the biggest misconceptions during a regional aviation disruption is that an airport must either be completely open or completely closed.

Commercial aviation does not work that way.

Airlines make decisions based on individual routes, aircraft availability, crew positioning, airspace restrictions, regulatory guidance, security assessments and connecting network requirements.

A flight from Dubai to one destination may operate while another route is cancelled. One airline may resume a city pair while another carrier keeps the same route suspended.

That is exactly what the current Middle East situation demonstrates.

Gulf News reported on August 12 that most UAE services were operating as scheduled, while selected Bahrain and Kuwait routes continued to experience disruption. The publication advised travelers flying from the UAE to check flight status before leaving for the airport. Gulf News

The same report showed why passengers should check the actual flight number. Emirates had status information unavailable for certain Dubai-Kuwait and Dubai-Bahrain services at the time of checking, while Air Arabia had several Bahrain and Kuwait services cancelled or awaiting departure. Gulf News

In other words, “Dubai airport is operating” does not automatically mean “your flight is operating.”

Emirates Continues to Operate a Large Network

Emirates remains one of the most important airlines to watch for travelers using Dubai as a connecting hub.

According to Condé Nast Traveller Middle East’s August 10 report, Emirates was operating to 140 destinations across 72 countries, representing about 97 percent of its previous global network. The carrier was operating more than 1,300 flights each week, or roughly 75 percent of its pre-war capacity. Condé Nast Traveller

However, the recovery is not uniform.

The airline’s services to Kuwait and Bahrain were still affected, and passengers were advised to check flight status even after checking in. Condé Nast Traveller

Gulf News likewise reported on August 12 that Dubai-Kuwait and Dubai-Bahrain services required passengers to check their latest status before traveling to the airport. Gulf News

For a North American passenger connecting through Dubai, this creates an important practical issue.

A traveler could have a confirmed itinerary from New York, Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles or another North American gateway to Dubai, followed by a separate regional flight. The long-haul portion could be operating while the onward segment is changed.

That means travelers should examine the entire itinerary, not just the first flight.

Etihad Airways Is Operating, But Regional Conditions Remain Relevant

Etihad Airways is another major carrier serving the UAE.

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East reported that Etihad was operating a schedule covering more than 90 destinations, including seasonal summer routes. The carrier continued to describe some services, including Kuwait and Bahrain routes, as affected by operational circumstances. Condé Nast Traveller

The publication also reported that affected passengers would be accommodated on flights as soon as possible and that certain tickets issued during the specified eligibility period could qualify for a booking change without a rebooking fee. Travelers should verify the applicable rules for their individual ticket because eligibility depends on the booking and travel circumstances. Condé Nast Traveller

For passengers departing North America, this is particularly relevant when an Etihad itinerary contains a regional connection after arrival in Abu Dhabi.

A ticket can remain valid while one segment changes.

If your schedule has changed, it is worth checking whether you can move to a different departure date, alternate routing or another permitted option rather than waiting until the day of travel.

Qatar Airways Has Resumed Additional Regional Services

Qatar Airways is also restoring portions of its Middle East network.

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East reported that Qatar Airways was flying to the UAE, including multiple daily flights to Dubai, and had resumed routes to Bahrain, Kuwait and Erbil. Its network also included major international destinations such as Miami, New York and Toronto. Condé Nast Traveller

For North American travelers, that makes Qatar Airways particularly significant because Doha can serve as an alternative connecting point for passengers traveling between North America and destinations across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

But a resumed route should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every future flight will operate.

Airlines can change schedules when conditions change. Travelers should confirm their specific flight before leaving for the airport.

Turkish Airlines Has Also Resumed Several Middle East Routes

Turkish Airlines provides another example of the uneven recovery.

According to Condé Nast Traveller Middle East, Turkish Airlines had resumed flights to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Beirut and Amman, while flights to Iran remained suspended. The airline also warned that additional cancellations could occur as it continued to monitor the regional airspace situation. Condé Nast Traveller

The National reported similar developments on August 10, noting that Turkish Airlines had resumed services to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Damascus, Beirut and Amman, while flights to Iran remained suspended. The National

This is a useful example for passengers considering an alternative itinerary.

If an original airline has suspended a route, another carrier may be operating a comparable route. However, travelers should consider the complete itinerary, including connection times, ticket rules, baggage arrangements and whether separate tickets are involved.

Air France, KLM and Other International Airlines Are Taking a Different Approach

While some regional carriers are gradually restoring services, several international airlines continue to extend suspensions.

This is one of the most significant developments for travelers from North America because international airline schedules can determine whether a passenger can travel directly to a Middle Eastern hub or needs to consider another connection.

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East reported that Air France had suspended Riyadh flights until August 14 and Dubai and Beirut services until August 18, subject to a further assessment of the local security situation. Condé Nast Traveller

The National reported that KLM had suspended flights involving Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai until September 6 and was continuing to avoid certain regional airspace. The National

These dates are important, but they should not be treated as permanent promises.

A scheduled restart date is not necessarily the same thing as a guarantee that every flight on that date will operate. Airlines can revise a schedule again if circumstances change.

Air Canada Extends Dubai and Tel Aviv Suspension

For North American travelers, Air Canada’s schedule is especially important.

The National reported on August 10 that Air Canada had extended its suspension of flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv until mid-January 2027. The National

This is a major change for passengers who might otherwise expect to travel through Air Canada to the region during the autumn, winter or holiday travel periods.

The airline’s travel information should be checked directly for the latest status and applicable rebooking or refund rules.

Air Canada — Middle East travel updates

If you have an Air Canada booking affected by a schedule change, it is important to determine whether the airline has automatically rebooked you, whether you qualify for a voluntary change under a waiver, or whether you need to request an alternative.

For help reviewing your travel options, call 1-877-730-2630.

British Airways Keeps Several Middle East Services Suspended

British Airways is another carrier with significant schedule changes.

Gulf News reported on August 12 that British Airways flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman remained suspended until October 25. Frequencies to Doha and Riyadh had also been reduced, while the airline had permanently suspended its London-Jeddah route. Gulf News

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East also reported that British Airways had suspended services to several Middle Eastern destinations and planned a reduced schedule for Riyadh when service resumed. Condé Nast Traveller

For travelers originating in the United States or Canada, a British Airways itinerary can involve London as a connection point. A suspension affecting the London-to-Middle East segment can therefore disrupt a journey even if the North American-to-London flight is still operating.

Passengers should review every segment before traveling.

Singapore Airlines Pushes Back Dubai Service

Singapore Airlines is another major international carrier that has extended its Dubai suspension.

The National reported that Singapore Airlines’ Dubai service, previously expected to resume on August 2, had been extended until October 24. The National

The airline said affected customers would be reaccommodated on alternative flights or could seek a refund for the unused portion of a ticket, subject to the applicable conditions. The National

For North American passengers, Singapore Airlines can be relevant when Dubai forms part of a broader Asia-Middle East itinerary.

A change to one segment can affect the entire booking, particularly when connecting flights are tied together on a single ticket.

Other Airlines Have Also Extended Suspensions

The list does not end with Air Canada, British Airways, Air France, KLM and Singapore Airlines.

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East reported that:

• Air Astana suspended UAE flights until August 31.
• AirBaltic cancelled Dubai services until October 24.
• Cathay Pacific cancelled flights to and from Dubai until October 25 and Riyadh until October 26.
• Finnair suspended Dubai-Helsinki services until October 24.
• ITA Airways suspended Dubai flights until October 24.
• Japan Airlines cancelled Doha services until adequate safety measures were confirmed.
• Lufthansa suspended several Middle East routes until October 24, with Dubai paused until at least September 13. Condé Nast Traveller

These dates illustrate how complicated the current travel environment has become.

One airline may be preparing to resume service in August. Another may not return until September or October. Another may have pushed its restart date into January 2027.

That is why travelers should not rely on a single “Middle East flight status” announcement.

What Does This Mean for Travelers From the United States and Canada?

For North American travelers, the biggest takeaway is simple:

Check your exact flight, not just your destination.

If you are flying from the United States or Canada to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh or another Middle Eastern destination, your itinerary may include multiple flights and multiple operating airlines.

A disruption on one segment can create a chain reaction.

For example, a traveler might have:

New York → London → Dubai

If the New York-London flight operates but the London-Dubai flight is suspended, the traveler still has a disrupted trip.

Another traveler might have:

Toronto → Doha → Dubai

If the Toronto-Doha flight operates and the Doha-Dubai flight is operating, the journey may proceed normally.

A third traveler might have a regional connection that has been suspended even though the transatlantic segment remains available.

The only reliable way to know what applies to a specific passenger is to check the individual reservation and flight status.

Should You Go to the Airport?

Do not travel to the airport simply because your booking confirmation still appears in your email.

Gulf News reported on August 12 that passengers should check their latest flight information before leaving home and allow additional time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration. Gulf News

The National also reported that Air Canada was advising passengers in affected regions not to go to the airport unless they had a confirmed operating flight. The National

This is particularly important during periods of disruption.

Airport terminals can become crowded when large numbers of passengers arrive after cancellations or schedule changes. If your flight has already been cancelled or moved, arriving at the airport without a confirmed alternative may not solve the problem.

Check first.

What Should You Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled?

If your flight has been cancelled, the next step depends on the airline, fare conditions and the reason for the cancellation.

Generally, travelers should:

1. Confirm the cancellation. Check the airline’s official website, app, email or text notification.
2. Review the entire itinerary. A replacement flight may affect your connection.
3. Look at rebooking options. Some airlines may offer alternative dates or routes.
4. Check refund eligibility. Refund rules vary according to the airline and ticket circumstances.
5. Review your connection. A rebooked first segment is not useful if the onward flight is no longer possible.
6. Keep records. Save cancellation messages, booking confirmations and receipts.
7. Do not purchase an expensive replacement ticket immediately without checking your options.

If you need help navigating a booking change, cancellation, rebooking, rescheduling or upgrade request, call 1-877-730-2630.

The assistance line can help customers discuss their travel requirements, but travelers should understand that the final availability, fare rules and airline approval remain subject to the applicable carrier and ticket conditions.

Can You Rebook or Reschedule a Middle East Flight?

In many disruption situations, airlines provide some form of flexibility, but the exact terms vary.

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East reported that Emirates was offering eligible customers a complimentary date change under specified circumstances. Etihad was also providing certain eligible customers with a one-time booking change without a rebooking fee. Condé Nast Traveller

Other airlines have their own policies.

A passenger should therefore avoid assuming that a policy offered by one airline automatically applies to another.

If your ticket qualifies for a waiver, the change may still be subject to availability, fare differences, taxes, ticket validity and other conditions.

For assistance checking available alternatives, call 1-877-730-2630.

What About Flight Upgrades?

Passengers whose plans remain unchanged may also want to explore an upgrade.

However, an upgrade is not the same as a rebooking.

An upgrade normally concerns the cabin or class of service on an eligible flight, while rebooking concerns changing the flight itself.

During a disruption, the availability of upgraded seats can change quickly because airlines may be moving passengers from cancelled services onto limited operating flights.

If you are considering an upgrade, check the specific flight, fare and ticket conditions before paying.

You can call 1-877-730-2630 for assistance with available travel options and upgrade requests.

Why Flight Status Can Change at Short Notice

A flight shown as scheduled in the morning may not necessarily have the same status later.

This can happen because airlines are continually evaluating airspace, aircraft rotations, crew availability and operational conditions.

The current Middle East situation makes that process particularly important.

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East reported that regional airlines were operating reduced or limited schedules and that some airlines warned passengers that routes could be affected at short notice. Condé Nast Traveller

Gulf News likewise reported that passengers should check their status before leaving for the airport because selected services remained subject to disruption. Gulf News

For this reason, passengers should check their itinerary more than once when traveling during a period of disruption.

The Summer Travel Rush Adds Another Challenge

The current disruption is happening during the busy summer travel period.

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East noted that the situation coincides with the summer travel rush, when many families are traveling through or leaving the region. Condé Nast Traveller

More passengers on fewer operating flights can create additional pressure on available seats.

This is especially relevant when an international airline has suspended its own service and passengers need to move onto other carriers.

A flight that normally has plenty of availability may become much harder to book when multiple airlines are operating reduced schedules.

That can make early action important for travelers who have flexibility.

Why Travelers Should Not Assume a Suspension Date Is Final

Airlines publish planned dates for suspensions and resumptions, but those dates can change.

The recent schedule changes demonstrate this clearly.

Singapore Airlines had planned to resume Dubai service on August 2 but extended the suspension to October 24, according to The National. The National

Air Canada extended its Dubai suspension to mid-January 2027, while Air France, KLM and other carriers have different dates for different destinations. The National+1

For passengers, this means a date appearing on a news website today should not be treated as a permanent guarantee for a flight weeks or months from now.

Always verify the latest airline information close to departure.

What North American Travelers Should Watch

If you are planning a trip from the United States or Canada, pay particular attention to five things.

1. Your operating airline

Do not assume that a flight marketed by one airline is operated by that same airline. Codeshare arrangements can involve another carrier.

2. Your connection airport

A route through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, London, Istanbul or another hub may have different operating conditions from your origin flight.

3. Your exact flight number

General airport information is not enough. A particular flight may be cancelled while other services continue.

4. Your ticket conditions

Refunds, changes, rebooking and upgrades depend on the ticket and airline rules.

5. The latest status

Check before leaving home and again as departure approaches.

The Bigger Picture: A Uneven Return to Normal

The latest reporting suggests that the Middle East aviation system is neither fully shut down nor fully back to normal.

It is operating in an intermediate phase.

Regional airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Oman Air and Turkish Airlines have restored substantial portions of their networks, although some routes remain affected. Condé Nast Traveller

At the same time, several international airlines continue to suspend or restrict services to Dubai and other Middle Eastern destinations. Condé Nast Traveller+1

That difference creates a complicated market for travelers.

A passenger who needs to travel may find that one airline offers an operating route while another carrier does not. But alternative itineraries can have different fares, connection times, baggage rules and ticketing conditions.

The safest approach is to compare the available options against the rules attached to your existing ticket.

Final Advice for Travelers With Dubai or Middle East Flights

The most important message for passengers is not to panic, but also not to assume that everything is operating normally.

The latest reporting shows that airlines are making decisions on a route-by-route basis.

Some services have resumed.

Some are operating with reduced frequency.

Some remain suspended.

Some have had their expected restart dates pushed back.

And the situation can change again.

For North American travelers, this means the best preparation is to keep your itinerary accessible, monitor your airline’s updates, and check the status of every flight in your journey before traveling to the airport.

If your flight has been cancelled, delayed, rescheduled or suspended, you may have options depending on your ticket and airline.

If you need assistance with booking, cancelling, rebooking, rescheduling or upgrading a flight ticket, call 1-877-730-2630.

If you specifically need to check your flight status, call the same toll-free number before leaving for the airport. Have your reservation details and flight information available so the itinerary can be reviewed accurately.

Source Credit and Further Reading

This article is an independently written summary based primarily on the August 10, 2026 report by Condé Nast Traveller Middle East, with additional current information cross-checked against reporting from The National, Gulf News, and aviation-safety information from EASA. The article does not reproduce the original publication and should not be considered a substitute for an airline’s official travel advisory.

Primary source:
Condé Nast Traveller Middle East — “Dubai and Middle East flight disruption: regional airlines resume some routes while international airlines extend suspensions”

Additional reporting:
The National — Middle East flights: Air Canada, Air France and Scoot extend suspensions

Gulf News — UAE flight status updates for Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and flydubai

Aviation-safety information:
European Union Aviation Safety Agency — Airspace of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman

Airline information:
Emirates — Official website and flight-status tools

Air Canada — Middle East travel updates

Disclaimer: Flight schedules, security conditions, airline policies and route availability can change without notice. Always confirm your specific itinerary with the operating airline or your authorized travel provider before traveling. The assistance number 1-877-730-2630 is provided for the travel-support service associated with this article and is not an official telephone number for any airline mentioned above.