Emirates flights between Dubai and both Bahrain and Kuwait remain suspended, even as Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways resume limited services on the same routes after weeks of disruption tied to the regional conflict.
Emirates Flights to Bahrain and Kuwait Still Suspended As Etihad, Qatar Airways Resume Services
Emirates Remains Grounded
Emirates had earlier said services would resume by August 6. But as of writing, no Emirates flights are listed to either destination on August 9 or 10. Before the disruption, the airline ran three daily Bahrain flights (EK835, EK837, EK839) and four daily Kuwait services (EK853, EK855, EK857, EK859). All seven remain suspended, and Emirates’ own website notes it can only display Emirates-operated services, so codeshare passengers should check directly with their airline.
Etihad Resumes A Limited Schedule
Etihad, which had earlier cancelled its Abu Dhabi-Bahrain and Abu Dhabi-Kuwait routes, has brought back one daily Kuwait service and four weekly Bahrain flights from August 8. EY653 departs Abu Dhabi for Kuwait daily at 8.25 am, while EY643 flies to Bahrain at 3.40 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The airline has been clear about its reasoning throughout, saying passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.
Qatar Airways Back To Daily Flights
Qatar Airways has resumed daily services to Bahrain, Kuwait and Erbil from August 8. It has kept its Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah routes running throughout the disruption. Both flydubai and Air Arabia continue operating to Bahrain and Kuwait too, though some flights on both carriers remain subject to last-minute cancellation, so it’s worth checking your specific flight number before heading to the airport.
Also Read: From Riyadh Air’s Mumbai Flight To Qatar’s Food Poisoning New Rules, 5 GCC Updates
What’s Happening On The Other Side
Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways continue running multiple daily services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while Bahrain’s Gulf Air maintains flights to both UAE cities. This gives travellers heading back into the UAE more consistent options than those flying out.
Why Is This Issue Still Recurring?
The disruption traces back to the regional tensions, which have kept airspace restrictions and operational uncertainty hanging over the region for weeks now.
International carriers including British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa and Air France have all adjusted or suspended Middle East routes as a result. British Airways has pushed its Dubai, Bahrain and Amman resumption all the way to October 25. Meanwhile, KLM has suspended Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam services until August 23 and Air France has paused flights to Saudi Arabia altogether.
If Bahrain or Kuwait is on your itinerary this month, the safest move is to check your exact flight number directly with the airline before you leave for the airport.
Cover Image Courtesy: Emirates/Website, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways/X
FAQs
Are Emirates flights to Bahrain and Kuwait cancelled?
Yes. As of August 9, 2026, all Emirates flights to both destinations remain suspended, with no services listed for August 9 or 10.
Is Qatar Airways flying to Bahrain and Kuwait again?
Yes, Qatar Airways resumed daily services to Bahrain, Kuwait and Erbil from August 8, 2026.
Has Etihad resumed flights to Bahrain and Kuwait?
Partially. From August 8, Etihad is running one daily Kuwait flight (EY653) and four weekly Bahrain flights (EY643).
Why are Gulf flights still being disrupted?
Ongoing regional tension in the Middle East has kept airspace restrictions and security concerns in place, prompting several international carriers to adjust or suspend the routes.