Travellers Advised to Check Flight Status as UAE Airports Expand Capacity.
Dubai: Flight disruptions are continuing across the UAE, with cancellations affecting routes to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India and other international destinations. Several flights arriving in Abu Dhabi are also experiencing delays. Passengers are being advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport, as schedules and operational updates can change at short notice.
Meanwhile, UAE airports are preparing for the winter travel season, with departing seat capacity increasing by 23 per cent since June and additional international services expected to resume in the coming weeks. Here is the latest overview of flight developments in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, alongside changes to Saudi routes and regional travel advisories.
UAE airport capacity increases ahead of winter
Scheduled departing seat capacity across UAE airports reached 7.2 million in October, marking a 23 per cent increase compared with June.
Dubai International Airport accounted for 4.6 million seats, followed by Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi with 1.7 million and Sharjah Airport with 840,000.
Emirates offered 3.1 million seats during October. Among the UAE’s major carriers, flydubai recorded the strongest capacity growth, increasing its available seats by 27.5 per cent since June to reach 1.1 million.
As the winter travel season approaches, as many as 36 weekly flights between Dubai and Europe are expected to return between late October and December. Services to Athens and Manila are also being restored, expanding options for international passengers.
Regional developments and travel advisories
- Israel’s political outlook: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition rival Gadi Eisenkot have both pledged to form a government following exit polls that indicated a close contest, with neither bloc securing a clear parliamentary majority.
- Netanyahu’s remarks on Iran: Netanyahu said Israel had a “unique opportunity” to work with US President Donald Trump to eliminate what he described as the “existential threat” posed by Iran.
- Saudi Arabia supports mediation: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the kingdom’s support for regional de-escalation and mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan.
- Missile interceptions in Saudi Arabia: Saudi authorities reported that air defences intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels after explosions were heard in Riyadh. Three additional missiles targeting the eastern region were also destroyed, while alerts were subsequently issued around Jeddah and Yanbu.
- Qatar–Iran discussions: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed the regional conflict and the Strait of Hormuz during a meeting in Moscow.
International travel warnings updated
The United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada have revised their travel advisories amid ongoing regional security concerns. The warnings cover risks including missile and drone attacks, armed conflict, flight cancellations and potential airspace closures.
The US advises against travel to the Saudi Arabian border area with Yemen, while Australia advises against all travel to Saudi Arabia. Canada has warned against non-essential travel to the kingdom and against all travel to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
The UK’s travel alerts cover 15 destinations, including the UAE, Israel, Iran and Palestine, and are relevant to travellers transiting through the region.
Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia urged to check flights
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has advised Indian nationals to verify their flight details directly with airlines, comply with local regulations and refrain from sharing images or videos of missile interceptions and impact sites.
Saudi airlines continue to operate services to India from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah. Limited flight operations have also resumed at Riyadh airport, including India-bound services operated by Flynas.
The embassy and consulate are continuing to assist Indian nationals and Umrah pilgrims through round-the-clock control rooms.
Saudi travellers can apply for US Global Entry
Saudi citizens are now eligible to apply for the US Global Entry programme, which allows approved, pre-screened travellers to complete customs and immigration procedures more quickly.
Applicants must undergo security screening and attend an in-person interview. Successful applicants may also qualify for TSA PreCheck benefits on eligible domestic flights within the United States.
Iranian airline services and Tel Aviv connections remain suspended
Flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the UAE remain suspended until further notice. The restrictions include Iran Airtour services connecting with Dubai.
Emirates’ codeshare services with flydubai to and from Tel Aviv also remain suspended.
Passengers affected by these suspensions should contact their airline or travel agent to discuss rebooking, refund eligibility and alternative travel arrangements.
Travellers flying through the UAE or other parts of the Middle East should check airline notifications and airport updates before departure, particularly when travelling on routes affected by regional security developments.
Abu Dhabi arrivals: Multiple flights delayed
Several flights arriving at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport are experiencing delays, affecting services from Doha, Tel Aviv, Kathmandu, Delhi, Moscow and Vienna.
- Doha: Qatar Airways QR1044, originally scheduled for 10:50, has been revised to 11:20.
- Tel Aviv: Etihad flight EY610 has been moved from 11:15 to 12:10, while EY596 has been rescheduled from 12:00 to 12:40.
- Kathmandu: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi flight 3L044, scheduled for 13:25, is now expected at 14:50.
- Delhi: Etihad flight EY219 has been delayed from its scheduled arrival of 06:55 to 17:15.
- Moscow Vnukovo: Pobeda flight DP753 has been revised from 17:05 to 17:40.
- Vienna: Etihad flight EY154 is now expected at 20:00 instead of 19:20.
Passengers are advised to confirm the latest arrival times with their airlines before travelling to the airport.
Dubai International Airport: Cancellations and delays affect arrivals
Dubai International Airport’s arrivals board is showing multiple cancellations and delays involving Emirates, flydubai, flynas, SpiceJet and other carriers. Disruptions are affecting routes across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and North America.
Passengers should note: Some Emirates services appear as cancelled on Dubai International Airport’s arrivals board, while the airline’s own flight-status page lists them as scheduled or operating. Travellers should confirm their flight details directly with Emirates before setting out for the airport.
SpiceJet cancellations and delays
Cancelled services
- Ahmedabad: SG5146
- Pune: SG051
- Kochi: SG5117
Delayed services
- Ahmedabad: SG5116 — revised arrival at 22:02.
- Mumbai: SG5060 — revised arrival at 13:42.
- New Delhi: SG5111 — revised arrival at 13:52.
- New Delhi: SG5105 — revised arrival at 13:17.
Other airlines reporting disruptions
- flynas: Flights from Gassim and Riyadh are listed as cancelled, including Gassim service XY205 and Riyadh services XY811 and XY217.
- Ethiopian Airlines: Flight ET660 from Addis Ababa has been cancelled.
- Kam Air: Flight RQ901 from Kabul has been cancelled.
- Fly Jinnah: Flight 9P512 from Lahore has been cancelled.
- Air Astana: Flight KC897 from Almaty has been delayed.
- flydubai: Flight FZ1240 from Almaty has a revised arrival time of 11:44.
Passengers should monitor airline notifications and check the latest flight status before departure, as airport information may not always match updates provided directly by carriers.
Etihad Airways: Technical delays and Saudi route cancellations
Etihad Airways has reported delays affecting two sets of services because of technical issues.
- Abu Dhabi–Vienna: Flight EY153 on October 28 has been delayed, along with its return service, EY154.
- Abu Dhabi–New Delhi: Flight EY218 was delayed on October 27, while the return service, EY219, is also delayed on October 28.
Flights to three Saudi cities cancelled through November 5
Etihad has cancelled services between Abu Dhabi and Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah through November 5.
- Dammam: All flights are cancelled.
- Riyadh: All flights are cancelled.
- Jeddah: Flights EY601 and EY603 from Abu Dhabi, along with return services EY602 and EY604 from Jeddah, have been cancelled.
Passengers affected by these disruptions should consult Etihad’s official website for the latest information and ensure their contact details are current to receive important flight notifications.
Emirates flight status: Disruptions on Saudi, Kuwait and Peshawar routes
Emirates’ flight-status information lists cancellations on several routes connecting Dubai with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Peshawar. Some services to and from Kuwait and Medina remain scheduled.
- Kuwait: Dubai departures EK853, EK855 and EK859 are cancelled, while EK857 remains scheduled. Return services EK854, EK856 and EK860 are cancelled, while EK858 remains scheduled.
- Seattle: Flight EK230 to Dubai is listed as scheduled.
- Peshawar: Flights EK637 from Peshawar to Dubai and EK636 from Dubai to Peshawar are cancelled.
- Dammam: Dubai-bound and outbound services EK823, EK827 and EK821, along with return flights EK824, EK828 and EK822, are cancelled.
- Jeddah: Flights EK801, EK805 and EK803 from Dubai, as well as return services EK802, EK806 and EK804, are cancelled.
- Riyadh: Flights EK815, EK819, EK813 and EK817 from Dubai, along with return services EK816, EK820, EK814 and EK818, are cancelled.
- Medina: Flights EK807, EK2537 and EK809 from Dubai, along with return services EK808, EK2538 and EK810 from Medina, are listed as scheduled.
Given the changing operational situation, passengers should verify their specific flight directly with Emirates before leaving for the airport.
Emirates–flydubai codeshare services to Tel Aviv remain suspended
Emirates’ codeshare operations with flydubai to and from Tel Aviv remain suspended until further notice. The suspension follows a September 30 security incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073, which diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Travellers booked on affected services should contact their airline or travel agent to confirm alternative arrangements, rebooking options and refund eligibility.
Passengers affected by the disruptions should contact Emirates, flydubai or their travel agent to confirm the latest booking details and explore alternative travel arrangements.
flydubai Saudi Arabia flights: Latest status
According to flydubai’s website, services on several Saudi Arabian routes showed a mix of scheduled, estimated, in-flight and arrived statuses on October 28.
Madinah (MED)
- Dubai to Madinah: Flights FZ8387 and FZ897 were listed as estimated, while FZ827 remained scheduled.
- Madinah to Dubai: Flight FZ828 had arrived, FZ8388 was scheduled and FZ898 was listed as estimated.
Gassim (ELQ)
- Dubai to Gassim: Flight FZ871 was scheduled.
- Gassim to Dubai: Flight FZ872 had arrived.
Jeddah (JED)
- Dubai to Jeddah: Flight FZ831 had arrived, FZ909 was in flight and FZ829 was scheduled.
- Jeddah to Dubai: Flight FZ832 was in flight, FZ910 was listed as estimated and FZ830 was scheduled.
Tabuk (TUU)
- Dubai to Tabuk: Flight FZ881 was scheduled.
- Tabuk to Dubai: Flight FZ882 was scheduled.
Taif (TIF)
- Dubai to Taif: Flight FZ873 was listed as estimated.
- Taif to Dubai: Flight FZ874 was scheduled.
Saudi routes with no flight-status information
Flydubai’s website did not display flight-status information for several routes connecting Dubai with Saudi Arabia on October 28. These included:
- Abha (AHB)
- AlUla (ULH)
- Dammam (DMM)
- Ha’il (HAS)
- Gizan (GIZ)
- Hofuf (HOF)
- Jouf (AJF)
- Nejran (EAM)
- Neom (NUM)
- Qaisumah (AQI)
- Riyadh (RUH)
- The Red Sea (RSI)
- Yanbu (YNB)
No status information was available for the Riyadh–Dubai route either.
The absence of flight-status information does not necessarily mean a service has been cancelled or suspended. Passengers travelling on these routes should contact flydubai directly or check their booking details for the latest confirmation before heading to the airport.
UAE Flight Status: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Report Multiple Cancellations
Air Arabia services departing from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have been cancelled on several regional and international routes. The affected destinations include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Bangladesh and various cities across Europe and Asia.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi: Cancelled flights
The following Air Arabia Abu Dhabi services are listed as cancelled:
- Abu Dhabi–Baku: 3L730
- Baku–Abu Dhabi: 3L731
- Abu Dhabi–Chattogram: 3L061
- Chattogram–Abu Dhabi: 3L062
- Abu Dhabi–Cairo (Sphinx): 3L383
- Cairo (Sphinx)–Abu Dhabi: 3L384
- Abu Dhabi–Almaty: 3L781
- Almaty–Abu Dhabi: 3L782
- Abu Dhabi–Kuwait: 3L022
- Kuwait–Abu Dhabi: 3L023
- Abu Dhabi–Colombo: 3L708
- Colombo–Abu Dhabi: 3L709
Passengers booked on these services should review their reservations and contact Air Arabia Abu Dhabi to confirm available rebooking options, alternative flights or refund arrangements.
Air Arabia Sharjah: Cancellations affect regional and international routes
Multiple Air Arabia flights operating to and from Sharjah have also been cancelled. The affected services include routes to Bangladesh, Egypt, Kuwait, the Maldives, Poland, Russia, Syria, Thailand, Uganda, the UK and Saudi Arabia.
The cancelled flights include:
- Sharjah–Dhaka: G9514
- Dhaka–Sharjah: G9515
- Sharjah–Cairo (Sphinx): G9343
- Cairo (Sphinx)–Sharjah: G9344
- Sharjah–Kuwait: G9068, G9124
- Kuwait–Sharjah: G9069, G9125
- Sharjah–Malé: G9093
- Malé–Sharjah: G9094
- Sharjah–Krakow: G9730
- Krakow–Sharjah: G9731
- Sharjah–Moscow (Domodedovo): G9950, G9956, G9958
- Moscow (Domodedovo)–Sharjah: G9957, G9959, G9951
- Sharjah–Yekaterinburg: G9960
- Sharjah–Damascus: G9363
- Damascus–Sharjah: G9364
- Sharjah–Bangkok: G9845
- Bangkok–Sharjah: G9846
- Sharjah–Entebbe: G9691
- Entebbe–Sharjah: G9692
- Sharjah–London Gatwick: G9267
- London Gatwick–Sharjah: G9268
- Sharjah–Abha: G9195
- Sharjah–Dammam: G9160, G9163, G9167
- Dammam–Sharjah: G9161, G9164, G9168
- Sharjah–Riyadh: G9151, G9154
- Riyadh–Sharjah: G9152, G9155
No information was available in the supplied updates for the return service from Yekaterinburg to Sharjah.
Travellers affected by these cancellations should check their booking details and consult Air Arabia’s official website for the latest updates. Flight schedules and operational arrangements may change at short notice.
UAE flight status: What passengers should do before travelling
Despite an increase in airport capacity ahead of the winter travel season, flight cancellations and delays continue to affect several airlines and destinations across the UAE.
Routes to Saudi Arabia remain among those requiring close attention. While some services have been cancelled, others are operating with revised schedules, and certain flydubai routes have no status information available in the latest updates.
Passengers should take the following precautions before travelling:
- Check flight status: Use the airline’s official website or mobile app to confirm the status of your specific flight.
- Contact the airline: If your booking information is unclear or conflicts with airport updates, contact the airline directly.
- Review rebooking options: If your flight has been cancelled, ask about alternative services, refunds and other available arrangements.
- Monitor notifications: Keep your contact details up to date and check for last-minute changes before leaving for the airport.
- Do not assume cancellation: A missing status update does not necessarily mean a flight has been cancelled or suspended.
Passengers travelling through Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah should confirm their flight details directly with their airline before setting out for the airport.
