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What’s happening
As regional tensions continue, a broad set of carriers has paused, limited or reduced services across the Middle East. Reports on Oct. 4–5, 2026 indicate delays and cancellations affecting UAE-based airlines and a number of international operators that serve Gulf hubs.
Impact on Gulf hubs and carriers
Coverage from multiple outlets names Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia among operators experiencing disruption. Other international lines — including Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Wizz Air and others — have extended suspensions on some routes. One local roundup lists about 17 carriers that have halted flights to Dubai.
Airport-specific notes
Doha is operating a reduced schedule: some services to and from the Qatari hub are running on a limited basis. Kuwait’s airport is operating at select terminals while a transit ban remains in place and at least one terminal has been reported closed. These measures can affect both origin/destination passengers and those in transit.
Who is affected
Passengers booked to, from or connecting through Dubai, Doha, Kuwait and nearby Gulf hubs are most likely to see cancellations, longer waits or altered routings. Connecting travellers and those with tight onward connections should be especially cautious; some suspensions apply to specific routes rather than whole carriers.
What travelers should check now
Before traveling, check your airline’s live flight status and rebooking or refund policy, and review the affected airport’s official advisories. Contact your carrier or travel agent for alternatives, and confirm transit rules for any stops en route. If you hold travel insurance, review coverage for cancellations and delays.
Bottom line
The situation remains fluid. If your itinerary includes Gulf hubs, expect possible changes and verify plans directly with airlines and airports before you travel.
What to do next: Search flights on OptionTrip.
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Reporting reviewed from: Condé Nast Traveller Middle East, thenationalnews.com, Gulf News, Time Out Dubai, safariindia.com, International Business Times Australia.