Travel Updates: Middle East Airspace Closures & Airline Suspensions




Last Updated: Tuesday, 14 July 2026 at 11:03 AM (GMT +4)



BAHRAIN

  • Bahrain has experienced repeated missile and drone activity targeting facilities near Bahrain International Airport, most recently on 08 July 2026. Arrivals and departures require prior approval via fixed routing points. Gulf Air has previously rerouted through Dammam, Saudi Arabia during periods of disruption. Travellers should confirm flight status directly with Gulf Air before travelling.

    • KUWAIT

  • Kuwait International Airport (KWI) has experienced repeated disruption since a missile and drone attack damaged Terminal 1 on 03 June 2026. Terminal 1 remains closed for repairs; Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways are operating from Terminals 4 and 5 respectively. Foreign carriers are returning in phases as of July 2026. Kuwait's civil aviation authority has imposed several short, precautionary airspace closures since June in response to regional escalations, most recently on 08 July 2026. Travellers should expect continued possibility of short-notice diversions and delays.

    • SAUDI ARABIA

  • Abha International Airport remains operational but is experiencing significant flight cancellations and schedule disruption.

    • YEMEN

  • All Yemeni airports have been declared closed until further notice by Yemen's internationally recognised government, and Sana'a International Airport has been evacuated of personnel following the strike.

    • Travelers holding bookings to/from Bahrain or Kuwait are advised to:

    Travellers holding bookings to/from Abha, Yemen, Bahrain or Kuwait are advised to:
  • Check flight status before departing for the airport.
  • Monitor airline notifications regularly.
  • Allow additional transit time for re-routed flights.
  • Contact airlines or travel consultants for rebooking options.

    • Given the recurring nature of regional flare-ups affecting Abha, Yemen, Kuwait and Bahrain, travellers to/from these markets should build in extra buffer time and monitor official local aviation authority channels in addition to airline apps.


    AIRLINE & ROUTE UPDATES ✈️


    Etihad Airways (EY)


  • Etihad Airways flight EY022 from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) on 13 July 2026 has been delayed due to a technical issue.
  • Abu Dhabi – Damascus direct flights resume from 12 June 2026.
  • Network restored to over 80 international destinations.
  • Additional summer capacity added across Europe and Asia.

    • Emirates (EK)


  • Adelaide service resumed.
  • Increased summer frequencies to London, Paris, Milan, Athens and other European destinations.
  • Enhanced biometric boarding and digital passenger experience at Dubai International Airport.

    • Flydubai (FZ)


  • Continued expansion across Central Asia and Eastern Europe.
  • Additional summer frequencies added to seasonal leisure destinations.
  • Enhanced connectivity from Dubai to emerging markets.

    • Qatar Airways (QR)


  • Damascus flights resumed
  • Network expected to exceed 150 destinations during Summer 2026.
  • Increased frequencies to Europe, Africa and Asia.

    • Oman Air (WY)


  • NEW Route: Muscat – Tashkent launching June 2026.
  • Additional regional services introduced from Muscat.

    • Air India (AI)


  • NEW Route: Delhi – Hanoi.
  • Fleet modernization continues with new aircraft deliveries.
  • Expanded international network across Asia and Europe.

    • IndiGo (6E)


  • NEW Route: Chennai – Réunion Island.
  • Doha services resumed.
  • International network continues expansion towards 50+ destinations.

    • Riyadh Air


  • Preparations continue for commercial launch.
  • New international routes expected to be announced during 2026.

    • VISA & IMMIGRATION UPDATES


    United Kingdom


  • ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) now mandatory for eligible visa-free travellers.
  • Required before boarding flights to the UK.

    • Schengen Area


  • Entry/Exit System (EES) implementation continues.
  • Biometric registration replacing manual passport stamping.
  • Longer immigration processing times expected initially.

    • Australia


  • Enhanced immigration screening and compliance measures introduced.

    • Canada


  • Increased scrutiny on temporary resident and student visa applications.
  • Processing timelines remain longer than usual.

    • United Arab Emirates


  • Continued expansion of smart gates and digital immigration services.
  • Stricter compliance monitoring for overstays.

    • Saudi Arabia


  • Special travel regulations in place during Hajj season.
  • Visa compliance and overstay monitoring strengthened.

    • HOTEL & TOURISM INDUSTRY 🏨


    Trending Summer Destinations 2026


  • London
  • Paris
  • Rome
  • Barcelona
  • Athens
  • Dubai
  • Singapore
  • Tokyo
  • Bangkok

    • Hotel Market Trends


  • Strong summer demand driving higher hotel occupancy.
  • Early booking recommended for Europe and popular leisure destinations.
  • More hotels adopting AI-powered guest services and digital check-in.

    • AIRPORT & LOUNGE UPDATES 🛋️


    Dubai International Airport (DXB)


  • Enhanced digital wayfinding and passenger assistance services.

    • Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH)


  • Expansion of premium passenger facilities and fast-track services.

    • Hamad International Airport, Doha (DOH)


  • Additional premium lounge enhancements.
  • Expanded passenger wellness and relaxation areas.

    • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)


  • Upgraded premium lounge facilities.
  • New digital passenger services introduced.

  • Istanbul Airport (IST)

  • Further expansion of lounge capacity and premium travel facilities.

    • TRAVEL ADVISORIES ⚠️


  • Apply for Schengen visas at least 4–6 weeks before departure.
  • Verify passport validity (minimum 6 months recommended).
  • Monitor airline schedule updates before travel.
  • Arrive at airports at least 3 to 4 hours before international departures.

    • EMBASSY UPDATES

    Last Updated: 14 July 2026 at 11:45 AM


    USA

  • As of 14 July 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General in Dubai have suspended in-person consular appointments through 15 July due to the regional security situation, with only limited emergency assistance available.

    • Australia

  • The Australian Embassy in Doha, Qatar, closed to the public on 12 July amid heightened security alerts in the capital.

    • No other embassy closures in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar have been confirmed at this time. Given the fast-changing nature of the situation, travellers and residents are advised to check their relevant embassy's official website or social media channel directly before visiting in person.