In its first morning briefing of Tuesday, 28 July 2026, Gulf News confirmed that Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International (AUH) and Sharjah International (SHJ) are running at near-normal capacity despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the wider Middle East. While terminal operations, immigration queues and ground handling appear unaffected, several regional routes continue to see targeted cancellations. Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi–Bahrain and Abu Dhabi–Kuwait flights, flydubai services to Saudi domestic points such as Abha and Dammam, and Air Arabia’s Sharjah departures to Kuwait, Bahrain and Doha are among those withdrawn this week. Saudia, Qatar Airways and flyadeal have also trimmed frequencies or extended suspensions. The bulletin highlights a split environment: long-haul intercontinental services remain robust, protecting trade lanes and expatriate mobility, whereas intra-Gulf connectivity is bearing the brunt of risk-mitigation measures. Corporations with rotational staff in oil & gas, consulting and event management are therefore advised to secure onward surface transport or build buffer days into project timelines. Risk experts quoted by Gulf News note that EASA’s conflict-zone warning for the Gulf has been extended and the UK FCDO, US State Department and other Western advisories continue to caution about sudden airspace closures. Nonetheless, insurers have not yet activated war-risk premiums for flights that land in the UAE, reflecting confidence in the Emirates’ layered air-defence systems and the Civil Aviation Authority’s risk-assessment protocols. Practical tips from the bulletin include signing up for airline SMS alerts, checking that Schengen or US visas remain valid for any re-routing through third-country hubs, and allowing additional time for customs inspections if itineraries involve baggage re-check on separate tickets.
Source: Gulf News
