Regional Security Crisis Reshapes UAE Travel; US Prepares Iran Operations

Gulf security tensions have grounded dozens of flights and disrupted maritime traffic across the region, as the United States prepares potential military operations against Iran and major international carriers suspend or reduce services to and from the UAE.

The US government is preparing a new wave of strikes on Iran as early as this weekend, according to officials, though exact targets and scope remain undetermined. President Donald Trump signalled a harder line, stating the US would be “hitting them very hard” and indicating military operations were likely to continue despite earlier claims that Tehran had been weakened. Officials cautioned that plans could still be called off before any action begins.

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Iran’s National Security Council warned that continued US naval pressure on Iranian ports could further restrict movement through the Strait of Hormuz and affect global energy markets. Tehran said any disruption could impact international oil supplies and energy prices, while warning that other strategic waterways could also face risks. The US military rejected Iran’s claim that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating the waterway remains open for commercial traffic.

Maritime activity has already declined sharply. Ship-tracking firm Kpler reported that the number of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz fell 77 per cent on Thursday, from 22 ships the previous day to just five. By contrast, traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait remained relatively stable, with dozens of vessels continuing to pass through daily.

A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile off Oman, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported. The incident occurred about 11 nautical miles northeast of Limah, damaging the vessel’s engine room and leaving it unable to manoeuvre. No casualties or environmental impact were reported. Authorities are investigating, and vessels in the area have been advised to remain cautious.

US Central Command said it has redirected 30 commercial vessels, disabled two ships and boarded two others as part of enforcement measures linked to the blockade of Iranian ports. CENTCOM added that nearly 30 ships have also been allowed to pass through for humanitarian purposes.

Meanwhile, on Gaza, President Trump said the US and Israel are aligned on implementing a new agreement requiring Hamas to disarm and Israeli forces to withdraw from parts of the territory. Hamas confirmed it had agreed to the framework, but Israel has not publicly endorsed the plan. The proposed roadmap includes Hamas handing over police weapons to a technocratic committee, a halt to Israeli military operations, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the later surrender of Hamas’ heavier weapons, and a civilian administration overseeing reconstruction. Major challenges remain around timelines, enforcement and Gaza’s future governance.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the agreement the “only good news in recent days” and urged both sides to implement the roadmap. He warned that continued conflict across the region was affecting energy markets, trade and global supply chains.

For travellers, the aviation impact is substantial. Emirates has cancelled several Dubai-Kuwait and Dubai-Bahrain flights, with some Dubai-Amman services also affected. Etihad Airways has cancelled selected Abu Dhabi-Kuwait and Abu Dhabi-Bahrain flights, citing operational reasons. Air Arabia has cancelled or delayed multiple Abu Dhabi and Sharjah flights to Kuwait and Bahrain. Qatar Airways has suspended passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait until August 7.

Several international carriers have extended their own suspensions. British Airways has suspended Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv services until October 31. Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and ITA Airways have extended Dubai suspensions until October 24. Lufthansa and Swiss have suspended Dubai services until September 13. Aegean Airlines and Air Astana have extended Dubai suspensions until August 31. KLM has suspended Dubai services until August 23. Philippine Airlines has extended its Dubai suspension until October 2. Turkish Airlines has resumed Dubai and Abu Dhabi flights, though Iran routes remain suspended.

UAE airports are urging passengers travelling during the summer peak period to arrive at least three hours before departure and allow extra time for security and immigration checks. Schedules can change rapidly, and travellers are advised to confirm flight details directly with airlines before heading to the airport. Comprehensive travel information is available at gulfnews.com/uae/what-uae-residents-need-to-know-today-us-iran-conflicts-flight-updates-and-travel-advisories-1.500627343.

Daily life across the UAE remains unaffected, with essential services and normal activities continuing. The regional situation, though, is fluid. Authorities and airlines are monitoring developments closely, and the question of how far the disruption spreads, across airspace, shipping lanes and energy markets, will depend heavily on whether US military action proceeds this weekend.