UAE Airports Boost Capacity Amid Flight Cancellations as Winter Travel Demand Surges.
UAE airports are recording an increase in scheduled seat capacity ahead of the winter travel season, with additional international flights expected to resume between late October and December. Despite the expansion, some routes across the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to experience disruptions amid ongoing regional developments.
Travellers flying through Dubai International Airport (DXB), Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Sharjah International Airport are advised to confirm their flight status with their respective airlines before heading to the airport. The latest updates cover arrivals and departures, flight cancellations, schedule changes and alternative travel options.
UAE Airport Capacity Expands 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 International Airport with 840,000.
Emirates offered 3.1 million seats during October, while flydubai recorded the strongest capacity growth among major UAE airlines, rising 27.5 per cent since June to reach 1.1 million seats.
As many as 36 weekly flights between Dubai and Europe are expected to resume between late October and December. The return of services to Athens and Manila is also expected to provide passengers with more international travel options.
Middle East: Latest Regional Developments
- US-Iran talks: Donald Trump reportedly approved Vice President JD Vance contacting Iran regarding its medical supply needs, following reports that Vance had encouraged Tehran to pursue peace negotiations.
- Iran’s warning to Israel: Tehran warned of severe economic consequences if Israel launches further attacks. It also rejected reported Qatari peace proposals, while mediation efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz reportedly continued.
- Potential US military action: Reports suggest Washington has advised regional allies to prepare for possible strikes against Iran following the November 3 US midterm elections.
- Missile interception in Saudi Arabia: The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a ballistic missile launched by Houthi forces towards the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.
- Obama’s criticism: Former US President Barack Obama argued that the conflict had depleted American missile stockpiles, increased the country’s vulnerability and strengthened Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oil market movements: Brent crude fell to $114.50 per barrel in early trading amid hopes that diplomatic negotiations could ease regional tensions.
International Travel Advisories Updated
The United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada have revised their travel advisories in response to regional security concerns. The warnings highlight risks associated with missile and drone attacks, armed conflict, potential flight cancellations and possible airspace closures.
Passengers travelling to or through the Middle East should monitor official airline announcements, airport updates and government travel advisories for the latest information before departure.
The United States has advised travellers to avoid areas along Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen, while Australia has issued advice against all travel to the kingdom. Canada recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia and advises against all travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The United Kingdom has issued travel alerts covering 15 destinations, including the UAE, Israel, Iran and Palestine. The advisories also affect travellers transiting through the region.
US Global Entry Programme Opens to Eligible Saudi Citizens
Saudi nationals can now apply for the US Global Entry programme, which provides expedited customs and immigration processing for pre-approved, low-risk travellers entering the United States.
The initiative is intended to streamline airport entry procedures for eligible Saudi citizens and strengthen travel links between Saudi Arabia and the US. Applicants must complete security screening and an in-person interview before they can enrol.
Iran Flight Status: UAE Services Remain Suspended
Flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the UAE remain suspended until further notice, including Iran Airtour services connecting Dubai with other destinations.
Passengers affected by the suspensions should contact their airlines or travel agents to confirm their booking status and explore rebooking, refund or alternative travel arrangements.
Tel Aviv Flights: Emirates and flydubai Codeshare Services Suspended
Emirates’ codeshare services operated by flydubai to and from Tel Aviv remain suspended until further notice, following the September 30 security incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073, which diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Passengers with affected bookings should contact Emirates, flydubai or their travel agents for the latest updates on cancellations, rebooking options and alternative itineraries.
Abu Dhabi Airport Arrivals: Multiple Flights Delayed
Several inbound flights at Zayed International Airport (AUH) are experiencing delays, affecting services from Tel Aviv, Bahrain, Bangkok, Delhi and other international destinations.
The reported schedule changes include the following:
| Origin | Flight details | Original arrival | Revised arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tel Aviv (TLV) | EY596; codeshares MU4542, LY9606, HM5325 | 12:00 pm | 12:35 pm |
| Bahrain (BAH) | 3L016; codeshare EY1371 | 12:10 pm | 12:50 pm |
| Bangkok (BKK) | EY403 and codeshare services | 12:35 pm | 1:10 pm |
| Tel Aviv (TLV) | EY610; codeshares MU3620, LY9613, HM5333 | 11:55 am | 1:40 pm |
| Delhi (DEL) | Etihad Airways arrival | 12:40 pm | 1:45 pm |
| Seychelles (SEZ) | EY701 and codeshare services | 12:10 pm | 1:50 pm |
| Malé (MLE) | EY373; codeshares WY5098, MS8431 | 12:35 pm | 1:55 pm |
| Kathmandu (KTM) | 3L044; codeshare EY1385 | 1:25 pm | 2:25 pm |
| Tashkent (TAS) | 3L764; codeshare EY1675 | 6:40 pm | 7:25 pm |
| Casablanca (CMN) | EY758 and codeshare services | 7:45 pm | 9:20 pm |
All times are local airport times as provided in the original report.
Advice for Passengers
Flight schedules and arrival estimates can change at short notice. Travellers flying into Abu Dhabi should verify their flight details directly with their airline or through Zayed International Airport’s official channels before leaving for the airport. Passengers affected by cancellations or delays should confirm their rebooking options and allow additional time for any revised travel arrangements.
Dubai Flight Updates Today: Cancellations and Delays at DXB
Several flights departing from Dubai International Airport (DXB) are facing cancellations and delays, affecting airlines including SpiceJet, Emirates, flydubai, flynas and other international carriers. Passengers are advised to confirm their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport.
Important notice: Some Emirates flights are reportedly marked as cancelled on Dubai International Airport’s departures or arrivals boards, while the airline’s official flight-status page lists them as scheduled or operating. Travellers should confirm the latest information directly with Emirates before making travel arrangements.
SpiceJet: Cancelled and Delayed Flights
Cancelled departures
- SG 051: Pune (PNQ) — scheduled for 10:15 pm.
- SG 5146: Ahmedabad (AMD) — scheduled for 6:25 pm.
- SG 5117: Kochi (COK) — scheduled for 11:20 am.
Delayed departures
- SG 5111: New Delhi (DEL) — revised departure from 11:50 am to 2:15 pm.
- SG 5116: Ahmedabad (AMD) — revised departure from 8:50 am to 1:25 pm.
- SG 5060: Mumbai (BOM) — revised departure from 11:55 am to 8:32 pm.
Emirates: Departure Delays
Two Emirates services are reported to have revised departure times:
- EK 545: Chennai (MAA) — departure moved from 12:40 pm to 1:38 pm.
- EK 515: New Delhi (DEL) — departure revised from 11:55 pm on October 29 to 12:54 am on October 30.
Passengers travelling on these services should check Emirates’ official flight-status updates for the latest operational information.
flynas: Multiple Flights Cancelled
Several flynas departures from Dubai to Saudi Arabia have reportedly been cancelled, affecting services to Riyadh and Gassim.
- XY 811: Riyadh (RUH) — scheduled for 10:55 am.
- XY 201: Riyadh (RUH) — scheduled for 10:40 am.
- XY 211: Riyadh (RUH) — scheduled for 6:25 pm.
- XY 203: Riyadh (RUH) — scheduled for 6:00 pm.
- XY 205: Gassim (ELQ) — scheduled for 3:25 pm.
- XY 217: Riyadh (RUH) — scheduled for 2:20 pm.
- XY 209: Riyadh (RUH) — scheduled for 8:45 pm.
- XY 213: Riyadh (RUH) — scheduled for 11:00 pm.
Affected passengers should contact flynas to confirm cancellation details and check available rebooking options.
flydubai: Revised Departure Schedules
Several flydubai services have reported changes to their scheduled departure times:
- FZ 952: Moscow Vnukovo — revised from 8:50 am to 3:36 pm.
- FZ 998: Yekaterinburg — revised from 1:45 pm to 3:12 pm.
- FZ 710: Baku (GYD) — revised from 5:15 pm to 5:57 pm.
- FZ 010: Doha (DOH) — updated from 9:10 pm to 9:12 pm.
Travellers should check the latest departure information with flydubai before proceeding to the airport.
Other Airlines: Cancellations and Delays
Additional disruptions have been reported across several international carriers operating from Dubai.
- Ethiopian Airlines: Flight ET 660 to Addis Ababa (ADD) reportedly cancelled, with a scheduled departure of 12:55 pm.
- IndiGo: Flight 6E 1475 to Kochi (COK) delayed from 10:45 am to 12:17 pm.
- Uzbekistan Airways: Flight HY 333 to Tashkent (TAS) delayed from 11:00 am to 11:39 am.
- Air Astana: Flight KC 897 to Almaty (ALA) delayed from 1:00 pm to 1:38 pm.
- Pobeda: Flight DP 991 to Moscow Vnukovo (VKO) delayed from 4:10 pm to 4:58 pm.
What Passengers Should Do
With cancellations and revised schedules affecting multiple airlines at Dubai International Airport, passengers should:
- Check their flight status through the airline’s official website or app before leaving for the airport.
- Contact the airline or travel agent for rebooking, refunds or alternative connections if their flight is cancelled.
- Monitor airport departure boards for last-minute schedule changes.
- Confirm any revised departure times directly with the operating airline, as published schedules may change.
Note: The flight details above are based on the supplied information and have not been independently verified. Confirm all cancellations and delays with the relevant airlines or Dubai International Airport before publishing or making travel decisions.
Etihad Airways Flight Cancellations: Saudi Arabia Routes
Etihad Airways has cancelled flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah through November 5, 2026, amid regional disruptions. Passengers travelling on these routes should confirm their booking status and check for alternative arrangements before departure.
Affected routes include:
- Dammam: All flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam have been cancelled.
- Riyadh: All flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have been cancelled.
- Jeddah: The following services between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah have been cancelled:
- EY601: Abu Dhabi to Jeddah
- EY602: Jeddah to Abu Dhabi
- EY603: Abu Dhabi to Jeddah
- EY604: Jeddah to Abu Dhabi
Travellers should check Etihad Airways’ official website for the latest updates, as schedules and cancellation arrangements may change.
Emirates Flight Status: Dubai–Saudi Arabia Routes and Other Destinations
Emirates has reported cancellations affecting flights between Dubai and several Saudi Arabian cities, along with services to Peshawar, Kuwait and Sialkot. However, some flights between Dubai and Medina are reported to be operating as scheduled.
Peshawar (PEW)
- Cancelled: EK636 (Dubai to Peshawar) and EK637 (Peshawar to Dubai).
Kuwait (KWI)
- Cancelled departures: EK853, EK855 and EK871.
- Scheduled departure: EK857.
- Cancelled return flights: EK854, EK856 and EK872.
- Scheduled return flight: EK858.
Sialkot (SKT)
- Cancelled: EK620 (Dubai to Sialkot) and EK621 (Sialkot to Dubai).
Dammam (DMM)
All the following services are reported as cancelled:
- Dubai to Dammam: EK823, EK827 and EK821.
- Dammam to Dubai: EK824, EK828 and EK822.
Jeddah (JED)
- Cancelled departures from Dubai: EK801, EK805 and EK803.
- Cancelled return flights: EK802, EK806 and EK804.
Riyadh (RUH)
- Cancelled departures from Dubai: EK815, EK819, EK813 and EK817.
- Cancelled return flights: EK816, EK820, EK814 and EK818.
Medina (MED): Some Flights Operating
Several Emirates services to and from Medina have different reported statuses:
- Dubai to Medina: EK807 and EK2537 have arrived, while EK809 is listed as scheduled.
- Medina to Dubai: EK808 has arrived, while EK2538 and EK810 are listed as scheduled.
Passengers should verify individual flight details with Emirates before travelling.
flydubai Flight Status: Saudi Arabia Routes
The latest supplied flight information shows a mix of scheduled, estimated, arrived and in-flight services between Dubai and several Saudi Arabian destinations.
Medina (MED)
- Dubai to Medina: FZ8387 and FZ897 — estimated; FZ827 — scheduled.
- Medina to Dubai: FZ828 — arrived; FZ8388 — scheduled; FZ898 — estimated.
Ha’il (HAS)
- Dubai to Ha’il: FZ925 — estimated.
- Ha’il to Dubai: FZ926 — scheduled.
Gassim (ELQ)
- Dubai to Gassim: FZ871 — scheduled.
- Gassim to Dubai: FZ872 — arrived.
Jeddah (JED)
- Dubai to Jeddah: FZ831 — arrived; FZ909 — in flight; FZ829 — scheduled.
- Jeddah to Dubai: FZ832 — in flight; FZ910 — estimated; FZ830 — scheduled.
Tabuk (TUU)
- Dubai to Tabuk: FZ881 — estimated.
- Tabuk to Dubai: FZ882 — scheduled.
Taif (TIF)
- Dubai to Taif: FZ873 — estimated.
- Taif to Dubai: FZ874 — scheduled.
Saudi Routes Without Available Status Information
No flight-status information was reportedly available on flydubai’s website for the following routes on October 28:
Abha (AHB), AlUla (ULH), Dammam (DMM), Gizan (GIZ), Hofuf (HOF), Jouf (AJF), Nejran (EAM), Neom (NUM), Qaisumah (AQI), Riyadh (RUH), The Red Sea (RSI) and Yanbu (YNB).
No status information was available for Riyadh–Dubai services either.
The absence of published status information does not necessarily mean that flights have been cancelled or suspended. Passengers should contact flydubai or check their individual bookings for confirmation.
Air Arabia Flight Status: Cancellations at Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
Air Arabia has reported cancellations affecting several routes from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. While some flights have arrived, others are listed as cancelled or awaiting departure.
Abu Dhabi (AUH): Cancelled Flights
- Dhaka: 3L063 (Abu Dhabi to Dhaka) and 3L064 (Dhaka to Abu Dhabi).
- Alexandria: 3L401A (Abu Dhabi to Alexandria).
- Amman: 3L032 (Abu Dhabi to Amman) and 3L033 (Amman to Abu Dhabi).
- Kuwait: 3L020 (Abu Dhabi to Kuwait) and 3L021 (Kuwait to Abu Dhabi).
- Aleppo: 3L456 (Abu Dhabi to Aleppo) and 3L457 (Aleppo to Abu Dhabi).
Arrival update: Flight 3L402 from Alexandria reportedly arrived in Abu Dhabi at 4:52 am, later than scheduled.
Sharjah (SHJ): Cancelled Flights
The following services are reported as cancelled:
- Dhaka: G9514 (Sharjah to Dhaka) and G9515 (Dhaka to Sharjah).
- Cairo: G9583 (Sharjah to Cairo) and G9584 (Cairo to Sharjah).
- Cairo–Sphinx: G9343 (Sharjah to Cairo–Sphinx) and G9344 (Cairo–Sphinx to Sharjah).
- Sohag: G9617 (Sharjah to Sohag).
- Kuwait: G9068 and G9124 (Sharjah to Kuwait); G9069 and G9125 (Kuwait to Sharjah).
- Beirut: G9387 (Sharjah to Beirut) and G9388 (Beirut to Sharjah).
- Moscow–Domodedovo: G9805 and G9956 (Sharjah to Moscow); G9957, G9958, G9959 and G9951 (Moscow to Sharjah).
- Yekaterinburg: G9881 and G9960 (Sharjah to Yekaterinburg).
- Abha: G9195 (Sharjah to Abha) and G9196 (Abha to Sharjah).
- Dammam: G9160, G9163 and G9167 (Sharjah to Dammam); G9161, G9164 and G9168 (Dammam to Sharjah).
- Damascus: G9363 (Sharjah to Damascus) and G9364 (Damascus to Sharjah).
- Bangkok: G9845 (Sharjah to Bangkok) and G9846 (Bangkok to Sharjah).
- Entebbe: G9691 (Sharjah to Entebbe) and G9692 (Entebbe to Sharjah).
- London Gatwick: G9267 (Sharjah to London Gatwick) and G9268 (London Gatwick to Sharjah).
Sharjah Flights Awaiting Departure
Two Moscow–Domodedovo services are listed as not yet departed:
- G9950: Sharjah to Moscow–Domodedovo.
- G9806: Moscow–Domodedovo to Sharjah.
Advice for Passengers
Travellers flying from Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Sharjah should check their flight status directly with the operating airline before leaving for the airport. Passengers affected by cancellations should ask about rebooking, refunds and alternative routes, and should not assume that a flight is operating solely because it appears in a published schedule.
Editorial note: These flight details have been reorganised from the supplied information and have not been independently verified. Confirm all statuses and dates with the relevant airlines before publishing, particularly for updates described as current on October 29, 2026.
- Sohag–Sharjah: Air Arabia flight G9618 reportedly arrived ahead of schedule at 6:02 am.
Riyadh Flights: Status Updates
The supplied update lists the following Air Arabia services between Sharjah and Riyadh, but does not specify their current operational status:
- Sharjah to Riyadh: Flights G9151 and G9154.
- Riyadh to Sharjah: Flights G9152 and G9155.
Passenger advisory: Flight schedules and operational conditions may change at short notice. Travellers should confirm their flight status directly with Air Arabia before leaving for the airport.
Saudi Flight Cancellations: Airline Updates and Alternative Travel Options
Regional disruptions and airspace restrictions continue to affect airline services to and from Saudi Arabia. The following updates outline reported suspensions, revised schedules and rebooking options for passengers travelling on Indian and international carriers.
Indian Airlines: Suspensions and Rebooking Options
- IndiGo: Flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah are reported to remain cancelled until November 14, 2026, because of regional airspace restrictions.
- Air India and Air India Express: Riyadh and Dammam services are reportedly suspended until November 7, while Jeddah flights are suspended until October 31. Eligible passengers holding bookings issued on or before October 24 may qualify for flexible rebooking or a full refund.
- Air India rebooking options: Eligible passengers may rebook travel involving operational Saudi airports until November 21 for Riyadh and Dammam routes, and November 14 for Jeddah routes. Air India Express is also reported to offer eligible passengers alternative bookings involving operational airports in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain and India.
- Akasa Air: Services to Jeddah are reportedly suspended until November 10, while Riyadh flights are suspended until November 30. Affected passengers may be eligible for a full refund within seven days or a rescheduled flight without additional charges.
Passengers should review the applicable airline policies and confirm eligibility before making changes to their bookings.
International Airlines: Latest Reported Changes
Several international carriers have announced or are reported to have implemented changes to their Saudi Arabia services.
- Qatar Airways: Riyadh flights were reportedly suspended through October 25. Services to Jeddah have been reduced from seven to four daily flights, while Dammam services remain suspended.
- Oman Air: Flights to and from Riyadh are reportedly suspended until October 31.
- SalamAir: Services connecting Riyadh and Dammam are reported to be cancelled until October 31 amid regional security concerns.
- Air France: Riyadh services are reportedly suspended until November 14, 2026.
- British Airways: One daily flight to Riyadh is scheduled to resume on November 3. The airline has discontinued its Jeddah services, according to the supplied update.
- Cathay Pacific: Riyadh flights are reportedly suspended until January 31, 2027.
- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA): Riyadh services have reportedly been suspended temporarily, with no resumption date announced.
- Delta Air Lines: The launch of flights between Atlanta and Riyadh has been postponed until March 2027.
- Lufthansa: Riyadh services are reportedly suspended until November 18, while Dammam flights are suspended through November 30. Eurowings is scheduled to resume Jeddah services on November 12.
- Philippine Airlines: Flights PR654 and PR655 to and from Riyadh are reportedly suspended until November 29.
- Scoot: Singapore–Jeddah services are reportedly cancelled until December 2.
- Gulf Air: Bahrain’s national carrier is reported to have resumed operations at Riyadh Airport.
- ITA Airways: Riyadh services are reportedly cancelled until November 18.
- KLM: Flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam are reportedly cancelled until November 27.
- Kuwait Airways: Riyadh flights remain cancelled until operations resume at the airport, according to the supplied information.
- Riyadh Air: Some services to and from Riyadh are reportedly cancelled until November 5. Eligible passengers travelling through November 7 may have access to temporary travel flexibility. Customers who booked through travel agents should contact them directly for rebooking or refund assistance.
- Singapore Airlines: The launch of its nonstop Riyadh service has been postponed until March 28, 2027.
- SriLankan Airlines: Flights to and from Riyadh are reportedly cancelled until November 1.
Because these dates and policies are subject to change, passengers should verify the latest notices with their airline before travelling.
Saudi Airlines: Alternative Airport Arrangements
Some Saudi carriers are reportedly using alternative airports to maintain services while Riyadh operations are disrupted.
- flyadeal: Riyadh services have reportedly been relocated to Qassim Airport (ELQ). Bus transfers between Riyadh and Qassim Airport are being provided, with departures from Riyadh Bus Station.
- Saudia: Riyadh services are reportedly operating through Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Al Qassim (ELQ), with ground transfers connecting passengers to Riyadh.
Passengers should confirm the airport printed on their ticket, the location of their bus departure point and any transfer arrangements directly with the airline. Do not travel to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport based on an earlier itinerary without checking for updates.
Passenger Services at Riyadh Airport
The following services may assist travellers navigating airport disruptions:
- 24-hour passenger assistance: King Khalid International Airport reportedly operates an “Ask Me” service across its terminals to answer passenger questions and provide travel information.
- Luggage storage: The supplied update states that luggage storage for up to 15 days is available through the Lost & Found Office and Baggage Office in the domestic and international terminals. Travellers should confirm current availability, fees and storage conditions with the airport.
Alternative Travel Options for Stranded Passengers
Passengers facing cancellations may consider alternative transport options, depending on their destination, visa requirements and current security conditions.
- Road travel: Travellers may investigate routes to neighbouring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, subject to border regulations and official travel advisories.
- Intercity buses: Check available services within Saudi Arabia for connections between major cities and alternative airports.
- Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR): Passengers travelling between Riyadh and other connected cities can check train schedules and seat availability.
Before choosing an alternative route, confirm border entry requirements, onward flight availability and the safety of the proposed journey.
What Passengers Should Know Before Travelling
Flight cancellations, revised departure times and alternative airport arrangements can change quickly during periods of regional disruption. Travellers should take the following precautions:
- Check directly with the airline: Use the airline’s official website, app or customer service channels to confirm the latest flight status.
- Verify the departure airport: Some itineraries may involve alternative airports or ground transfers.
- Confirm rebooking and refund eligibility: Rules may depend on the ticket type, booking date and airline policy.
- Check codeshare arrangements: Confirm which airline operates the flight and which carrier is responsible for assistance.
- Review official travel advisories: Check current government guidance before undertaking road journeys or crossing international borders.
Passengers affected by cancellations should contact their airline or travel agent to discuss refunds, rebooking and alternative connections.
Important verification note: This article is a rephrased version of the supplied information. The cancellation dates, airline policies, airport transfers and passenger services have not been independently verified. Confirm these details through official airline, airport and government sources before publishing them as current updates for October 29, 2026.
