Middle East Air Travel Disruptions (August 2026): What Happened and the Current Status

Flights between the UAE, Gulf countries and Indonesia were disrupted for a fourth consecutive day due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, even as Indonesia announced the reopening of its airports on Tuesday, September 8. Emirates cancelled three flights to and from Jakarta — EK356, EK357 and EK359 — while Qatar Airways cancelled flight QR959 due to ash affecting regional airspace. Global carriers have been cancelling and delaying Jakarta flights since Friday as ash continues to blanket the city and surrounding areas.

Emirates has cancelled flights EK356, EK358, EK357 and EK359 between Dubai and Jakarta on Monday, September 7, 2026, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forced the temporary closure of Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK). Qatar Airways and other carriers have also cancelled Jakarta flights. As of Monday morning, eight Indonesian airports, including two serving Jakarta, remained closed due to the ash cloud. Emirates had already delayed and cancelled flights on September 5 and 6 because of the eruption.

Indonesia has suspended operations at six airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta, after the eruption of Anak Krakatoa sent volcanic ash over 150 kilometres to the area, according to Khaleej Times.

Qatar Airways confirmed the cancellation of flights QR954, QR955, QR956 and QR957 between Doha and Jakarta on 7 September as a result, advising passengers to check their flight status before travelling.

Qatar Airways has cancelled flights QR954, QR955, QR956 and QR957 on 7 September between Doha and Jakarta, as volcanic ash continues to affect operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).

The airline advised passengers to check the latest flight status before travelling, extending the disruption from the previous day's cancellations.

Qatar Airways has cancelled flights QR956 and QR957 on 6 September, and QR954 and QR955 on 7 September, between Doha and Jakarta, after volcanic ash affected airport operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).

The airline advised passengers to check the latest flight status before travelling, citing safety as its highest priority.

Several flights to and from the UAE were delayed or cancelled on Sunday, September 6, according to Khaleej Times. Etihad flight EY475 to Jakarta was cancelled, while multiple arrivals and departures including flights to Istanbul, Manchester, and Lisbon faced delays ranging from 20 minutes to over an hour. UAE carriers remain largely operational despite the disruptions, with airlines continuing to add destinations to meet travel demand.

Emirates has confirmed that flights between Dubai and Jakarta on 5 and 6 September 2026 have been delayed or cancelled due to the temporary closure of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta. The airport closure follows volcanic ash from the eruption of Anak Krakatoa reaching the area, prompting Indonesia to suspend operations at six airports.

Almost 20 flights across UAE airports were delayed or cancelled on Thursday after the US launched a new wave of strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate against Gulf countries, according to Khaleej Times.

Air Arabia, based in Sharjah, cancelled flight G9107 to Bahrain and flights G9068 and G9124 to Kuwait for Thursday and Friday, while other flights to the two countries remained operational. Additional flights to and from Dubai, both regional and international, were also delayed or cancelled.

Kuwait's army said it intercepted a missile and drone attack launched by Iran on Thursday, as Tehran targeted US allies across the region. According to FRANCE 24, Iran struck sites in Kuwait, Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, and Iraq's Kurdistan region following extensive US bombardment of Iranian sites earlier in the week.

Travellers in these countries are advised to monitor official advisories closely, as heightened military activity in the region raises the risk of sudden airspace restrictions and flight disruptions.

The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a security alert advising American citizens to exercise heightened vigilance amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The embassy warned travelers to be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions due to the volatile security environment.

SpiceJet has reported major Air Traffic Control (ATC) congestion at Dubai International Airport (DXB), affecting departures, arrivals, and connecting flights. Passengers travelling through DXB are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Airline SpiceJet has reported heavy Air Traffic Control (ATC) congestion at Dubai International Airport (DXB), affecting departures and arrivals. The airline warned that consequential flights may also be impacted and advised passengers to monitor their flight status closely.

SpiceJet has issued a travel advisory warning of heavy Air Traffic Control (ATC) congestion at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The airline said all departures, arrivals, and their consequential flights may be affected, and advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has announced that visit visa and absence permit extensions, granted since March due to regional airspace closures and security concerns following Iranian attacks, will end on September 1, 2026. The original visa duration rules will be reinstated, meaning visitors and residents who were stranded abroad or extended their stay will need to comply with standard timelines again. Kuwait had introduced automatic extensions after the US-Iran war disrupted travel across the Gulf.

The United Arab Emirates announced it is cutting all economic ties with Tehran after accusing Iran of firing ballistic missiles at its territory, according to Bloomberg. The move marks a significant escalation in regional tensions amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Travellers in the UAE and wider Gulf region are advised to monitor official safety advisories closely as the situation develops.