Indonesia volcano eruption: 300 flights hit, schools shut as ash soars 50,000 feet

Dubai: UAE travellers are experiencing mixed fortunes on Sunday, as some key regional services operated by Emirates, Etihad and flydubai continue while delays and cancellations persist at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. Air Arabia has cancelled several Kuwait and Bahrain flights, and international airlines have suspended UAE services amid escalating security concerns. Air France has also suspended flights to and from Dubai until September 8. Disruptions are also being reported due to volcanic activity in Indonesia.

The recent escalation follows the US destroying three Iranian oil tankers in response to attempted missile attacks on naval vessels. Iran's Revolutionary Guards retaliated by targeting US-linked ships. The conflict has led to a deadlock in the six-month war, with Iran maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz and the US pressuring its counter-blockade of Iranian ports. This has resulted in a 39% drop in Middle East crude oil exports compared to the pre-war baseline.

Etihad Airways reports mostly normal operations between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, and between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. However, several flights from Zayed International Airport have been delayed, including trips to Tel Aviv, Charlotte, Kathmandu, Doha, Boston, Jeddah, Tashkent, Tbilisi, Atlanta, Lisbon, Nairobi and Manchester. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has cancelled several flights, while Emirates has advised passengers to check their flight status as schedules may change rapidly. flydubai's Kuwait and Bahrain services are operating as scheduled, but passengers are advised to arrive early, check in online, and allow extra time for security and immigration.

Air Arabia has also cancelled several flights, and passengers should contact the airline for rebooking and refund information. Delays at Dubai International Airport have been recorded on multiple services, including those operated by Emirates, flydubai, Turkish Airlines, IndiGo, Pegasus, Ethiopian Airlines, SpiceJet, and EK356 from Dubai to Jakarta, which has been cancelled.