Gulf Airlines Cancel Flights as Trump's Iran Pause Reshapes Energy Market Risk
Airlines and shipping face operational disruption as military tensions reshape Gulf commerce.
A US military pause and a proposed framework agreement over Iran’s nuclear program are reshaping the commercial calculus across the Gulf, with airlines cancelling flights, maritime operators reporting incidents near critical energy corridors, and the Strait of Hormuz emerging as the central pressure point for global energy markets.
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that US forces would hold back from planned strikes provided negotiations advanced quickly. The proposed deal would secure what Trump described as the “immediate, complete and total opening” of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. Israel has committed to the arrangement, Trump said, while Iran and other regional countries had requested the pause.
The announcement landed against a backdrop of active military incidents. Kuwait’s armed forces intercepted and destroyed hostile drones entering the country’s airspace, with falling debris causing damage at several locations but no casualties. The UK Maritime Trade Operations recorded two separate incidents: a tanker struck by an unidentified projectile near the Strait of Hormuz entrance off Oman, and a second vessel reporting a large splash and explosion near Khasab. Neither produced casualties.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any further US or Israeli “aggression” would trigger a “decisive and proportionate response.” Iran also cautioned Gulf countries hosting US military bases against supporting American operations.
The security environment has produced immediate commercial consequences. Etihad Airways cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport, along with services EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, citing operational reasons. Affected passengers have been instructed to update contact details with the airline. Emirates advised passengers to verify flight status before departure, with some services between Dubai and Bahrain and Kuwait available only closer to departure times. Air Arabia cancelled select flights between the UAE and Bahrain, directing affected passengers to contact the airline for rebooking.
The US State Department issued a security alert covering the UAE and other countries, warning American citizens of possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and travel disruptions. The advisory urged Americans in the region to “consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation.”
The Strait of Hormuz is the focal point. The waterway carries a substantial share of global energy supplies, and any sustained disruption would ripple through shipping operations, fuel markets and regional trade patterns. The maritime incidents near Oman underscore how exposed commercial traffic already is.
Meanwhile, the broader conflict has extended to Gaza, where Israeli forces killed at least eight Palestinians following Trump’s announcement of a roadmap involving Hamas disarmament and Israeli military withdrawal. Israeli strikes destroyed a medical warehouse in central Gaza, creating a crater approximately 20 metres wide and 10 metres deep, adding uncertainty to ceasefire negotiations.
For travellers operating out of UAE airports during the summer peak, the practical picture is straightforward: check airline websites and apps before leaving for the airport, arrive at least three hours before departure, and reach the boarding gate at least 60 minutes before flight time. Allow extra time for traffic, security checks and immigration. Dubai Metro services run Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 5am to midnight, Friday from 5am to 1am, and Sunday from 8am to midnight, providing ground transport to Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.
Whether the diplomatic pause holds long enough to stabilise airspace and shipping lanes, or whether further incidents force carriers into deeper operational retreats, will determine how much of the summer travel season the Gulf aviation sector can recover.
Q&A
Which airlines have cancelled flights and what routes are affected?
Etihad Airways cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport (services EY653 and EY654) and between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. Emirates advised passengers to verify flight status for services between Dubai and Bahrain and Kuwait. Air Arabia cancelled select flights between the UAE and Bahrain.
What is the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz in this situation?
The Strait of Hormuz carries a substantial share of global energy supplies. Any sustained disruption would ripple through shipping operations, fuel markets and regional trade patterns, making it the focal point of commercial risk in the current security environment.
What maritime incidents have been recorded near the Strait of Hormuz?
UK Maritime Trade Operations recorded two separate incidents: a tanker struck by an unidentified projectile near the Strait of Hormuz entrance off Oman, and a second vessel reporting a large splash and explosion near Khasab. Neither incident produced casualties.
What guidance has the US State Department issued for travellers in the region?
The US State Department issued a security alert covering the UAE and other countries, warning American citizens of possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and travel disruptions. The advisory urged Americans in the region to consider departing or be prepared to depart should there be escalation.