Airlines resume Dubai flights but extend suspensions on Saudi routes amid ongoing disruptions.
Dubai: UAE travellers are facing another day of flight disruption, with delays reported at Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, while several routes from Dubai and Sharjah are experiencing cancellations.
Saudi Arabia remains a key source of uncertainty for passengers travelling from the UAE, with some airlines suspending services to Riyadh and Dammam, while others operate reduced or revised schedules.
International airlines are gradually restoring some services to Dubai ahead of the winter travel season. However, several major carriers have extended flight suspensions into 2027.
Travellers have also been advised to consider ongoing regional security concerns, airspace restrictions and the possibility of last-minute schedule changes before setting off for the airport.
US-Iran conflict: Latest regional developments
The regional security situation remains unsettled, with fresh statements from Washington and diplomatic engagements involving Tehran offering little immediate reassurance for air travellers.
US President Donald Trump has threatened further military action against Iran, saying Washington may have to “destroy” the rest of the country, without specifying what action could follow. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is also facing mounting political pressure over the conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held discussions with regional counterparts on security and de-escalation, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has met Iran’s security chief.
Elsewhere, Saudi air defences have intercepted ballistic missiles launched towards Najran by Yemen’s Houthi militia. The Saudi-led coalition said debris fell following the interception, with authorities assessing the damage. Saudi Arabia has also reported intercepting a drone over its Eastern Province.
These developments highlight continuing security concerns across parts of the region. However, individual flight operations and airspace restrictions may change independently of developments on the ground.
Conflict-related flight cancellations and delays
UAE-Saudi Arabia flights: Riyadh and Dammam services remain affected
Saudi Arabia continues to be among the most disrupted destinations for UAE-based travellers. Passengers flying to Riyadh, Dammam and other Saudi cities should check their bookings, as airlines are following different schedules and cancellation arrangements.
Etihad Airways
- Dammam: All passenger and cargo flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam cancelled through November 19.
- Riyadh: All passenger and cargo flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh cancelled through November 19.
- Jeddah: Flights EY601, EY602, EY603 and EY604 are scheduled to resume from November 6. Other Abu Dhabi-Jeddah services are scheduled to operate as normal.
Emirates
The airline’s latest flight-status information indicates disruption affecting some Dubai-Saudi Arabia services:
- Dubai-Jeddah: Flight EK801 listed as cancelled.
- Dubai-Dammam: Flight-status information for November 26 was unavailable.
- Dubai-Riyadh: Flight-status information for November 26 was unavailable.
Passengers should check their individual bookings and Emirates’ official flight-status page before travelling. An unavailable flight-status entry does not necessarily mean a flight has been cancelled.
flydubai
The airline’s Saudi Arabia network currently shows a mix of scheduled, estimated and cancelled services.
- Madinah: Flights FZ8387 and FZ897 are estimated, while FZ827 is scheduled. Among return services, FZ828 has arrived, FZ8388 is scheduled and FZ898 is estimated.
- Ha’il: Flights FZ8439 and FZ8440 are scheduled in both directions.
- Gassim: Flight FZ871 is scheduled.
- Tabuk: Flight FZ881 is estimated, while FZ882 is scheduled.
Flight-status information was unavailable for several other Saudi destinations, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha, Yanbu and Neom. However, missing status information should not be taken as confirmation that services have been cancelled.
Air Arabia
The following Sharjah-Saudi Arabia flights are listed as cancelled:
- Abha: G9195.
- Jizan: G9398.
- Riyadh: G9151 and G9154.
Other international airlines extend Saudi flight suspensions
Several international carriers have extended flight suspensions or revised their schedules for Saudi Arabia:
- IndiGo: Flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah cancelled until November 14.
- Air India and Air India Express: Riyadh and Dammam services suspended until November 14.
- Akasa Air: Jeddah flights suspended until November 18 and Riyadh services until November 30. Passengers can opt for refunds or free rescheduling.
- Lufthansa: Riyadh services suspended until November 18 and Dammam flights until November 30.
- Air France: Riyadh flights suspended until November 14.
- KLM: Riyadh and Dammam services cancelled until November 27.
- Cathay Pacific: Riyadh flights suspended until January 31, 2027.
- Philippine Airlines: Riyadh flights PR654 and PR655 suspended until November 29.
- ITA Airways: Riyadh flights cancelled until November 18.
- Scoot: Singapore-Jeddah flights cancelled until December 2.
- Singapore Airlines: Launch of its non-stop Riyadh service postponed until March 28, 2027.
- Delta Air Lines: Launch of its Atlanta-Riyadh route postponed until March 2027.
- Gulf Air: Has resumed operations at Riyadh Airport.
Alternative airport arrangements for Saudi passengers
Saudi airlines have introduced alternative travel arrangements for passengers affected by disruption at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
- Saudia: Some Riyadh services are operating through Al Qassim Airport, with bus transfers connecting passengers to Riyadh. Alternative routing through Al Qassim and Dammam is also being arranged.
- flyadeal: Riyadh services have temporarily shifted to Qassim Airport, with bus transfers available from Riyadh Bus Station.
Passengers using these arrangements should confirm their departure airport, transfer details and reporting times directly with their airline.
UAE-Iran flights remain suspended
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the UAE until further notice.
The suspension affects direct services operated by carriers including Iran Airtour, Caspian Airlines and Karun Airlines. Passengers holding bookings with these airlines should contact their travel providers to discuss rebooking or refund options.
UAE-Israel flights: Services remain disrupted
Direct flights between the UAE and Israel continue to face security-related and operational restrictions.
- flydubai: Dubai-Tel Aviv services suspended through at least late November.
- Emirates: Dubai-Tel Aviv flights and related codeshare arrangements remain suspended.
- Etihad Airways: Continues to operate direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.
- El Al and Arkia: Israeli carriers continue to face delays or suspensions linked to security and landing-permit discussions.
Hoax bomb threats disrupt European flights
A separate security incident disrupted air travel across Europe on Thursday, with nearly 30 flights affected by hoax bomb threats.
Some aircraft were forced to make unplanned landings, while others were escorted or intercepted by fighter jets.
The incidents followed another wave of threats on Tuesday, when at least seven flights and a cruise ship were also targeted, according to Reuters.
Travellers connecting through European airports should monitor airline notifications for possible knock-on delays and changes to their itineraries.
International travel advisories: What passengers need to know
Governments and aviation authorities continue to highlight security risks and potential travel disruption across the Middle East.
United States
The US State Department’s October 23 advisory places the UAE at Level 3, advising American citizens to reconsider travel because of terrorism and armed conflict risks.
The advisory also highlights the possibility of armed attacks and security threats involving Iranian-supported groups.
United Kingdom
The UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals to remain alert to regional tensions and the possibility of further escalation.
Its travel advice for the UAE warns that military developments could lead to flight cancellations, airspace closures and wider travel disruption.
Canada
Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting the UAE because of the volatile regional security situation.
An October 14 update warns that military activity, missile and drone attacks could affect transport services, including flights. Travellers are advised to follow instructions issued by local authorities.
Australia
Australia’s Smartraveller advice, reviewed on October 8 and still current as of October 24, recommends that travellers exercise a high degree of caution in the UAE.
The advisory warns that military conflict could result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and restrictions affecting operations at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports.
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
EASA continues to maintain active conflict-zone information bulletins covering Iran, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman.
The relevant Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman bulletin, along with its Iran bulletin, remains valid until November 16 unless reviewed earlier. These advisories help European airlines assess security risks and plan flight operations.
International airlines: Which flights are returning and which remain suspended?
Dubai’s winter flight schedule is gradually expanding, with several international airlines having restored services or preparing to resume operations in November and December. However, a number of major carriers have extended their suspensions.
Airlines resuming flights to Dubai
- British Airways: Resumed daily London Heathrow-Dubai services on November 3.
- Lufthansa: Scheduled to restart five weekly flights each from Frankfurt and Munich on November 25.
- SWISS: Daily Zurich-Dubai services scheduled to resume on November 25.
- Eurowings: Daily Berlin-Dubai services scheduled to restart on November 25.
- Austrian Airlines: Vienna-Dubai flights scheduled to resume on December 12, with five weekly services.
- Philippine Airlines: Resumed Dubai services on October 21, operating alongside Cebu Pacific on the Dubai-Manila route. Both airlines operate four weekly flights.
- Air Astana: Restored Dubai connections with Kazakhstan, including services to Almaty.
- Aegean Airlines: Resumed flights between Athens and Dubai.
Dubai is expected to gain up to 36 additional weekly flights connecting the emirate with European destinations as airlines restore services between late October and December.
Airlines extending Dubai flight suspensions
Several international carriers have extended their suspensions or postponed planned services:
- Singapore Airlines: Flights SQ494 and SQ495 suspended until February 28, 2027.
- Cathay Pacific: Dubai services suspended until January 31, 2027.
- Air Canada: Dubai flights suspended until the end of March 2027.
- Finnair: Dubai services suspended for the 2026/27 winter season.
- KLM: Dubai flights suspended until March 27, 2027.
- Korean Air: Dubai services suspended until further notice.
- Virgin Atlantic: No return to Dubai planned before 2027.
- ITA Airways: Dubai services suspended until November 30. Passengers should check for updates to the December schedule.
- Luxair: Return to Dubai postponed until February 2027 at the earliest.
Passengers connecting through international hubs should also account for possible disruptions beyond the direct UAE-Saudi Arabia routes.
UAE airports: What is happening to regular flight operations?
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Several delays and cancellations were recorded at Dubai International Airport on Friday, November 6. The airport’s departure information listed the following affected services.
Cancelled departures
- FZ1395 – flydubai to Astana.
- SG5118 – SpiceJet to Kochi.
- ME431 – Middle East Airlines to Beirut.
- FZ205 – flydubai to Sulaymaniyah.
- SG5023 – SpiceJet to Mumbai.
- EK8131 – Emirates to Moscow.
Delayed departures
- IX108 – Air India Express to Amritsar.
- KC900 – Air Astana to Almaty.
- SG5156 – SpiceJet to Amritsar.
- BS344 – US-Bangla Airlines to Dhaka.
- PA111 – airblue to Karachi.
- SG5123 – SpiceJet to Jaipur.
A separate live departure tracker also reported delays and cancellations at DXB on Friday morning. These individual flight disruptions do not indicate a wider suspension of airport operations or an airline’s entire network.
Zayed International Airport (AUH), Abu Dhabi
Several flight delays have also been reported at Zayed International Airport.
The airport’s departure board showed scheduled Etihad Airways and partner services to destinations including London, Cairo, Delhi, Sialkot, Manchester, Moscow, Zurich, Kuwait, Nairobi and Paris.
Passengers should consult the live departure board for the latest information on individual flights and any changes to departure times.
Sharjah International Airport
The following Air Arabia departures were listed as cancelled in Friday’s flight-status update:
- G9246 – Yerevan.
- G9520 – Chattogram.
- G9068 and G9124 – Kuwait.
- G9950, G9956 and G9958 – Moscow Domodedovo.
- G9881 and G9960 – Yekaterinburg.
- G9587 – Colombo.
- G9845 – Bangkok.
Passengers departing from Sharjah should check Air Arabia’s website and the airport’s live departure board before travelling.
What UAE travellers should keep in mind
With airlines continuing to revise schedules, passengers are advised to take the following precautions before travelling:
1. Check your flight before leaving home: A confirmed booking does not guarantee that a flight will operate as scheduled. Check the airline’s website and airport departure boards for updates.
2. Arrive early: Allow at least three hours before departure, or longer if instructed by your airline.
3. flydubai passengers: Travellers departing from Dubai should allow four hours before departure, in line with the airline’s guidance.
4. Complete online check-in: Use online check-in wherever available and keep your boarding pass accessible.
5. Allow extra time for airport journeys: Factor in road traffic, check-in queues, security screening and immigration procedures.
6. Keep contact details updated: Ensure your airline has your current telephone number and email address so you receive notifications about schedule changes.
7. Check connecting flights: If travelling through another Middle Eastern airport, confirm that your onward flight is operating before setting off.
8. Understand rebooking options: If your flight is cancelled, contact the airline directly to discuss alternative arrangements, refunds or flexible travel options.
9. Monitor official travel advisories: Follow announcements from UAE authorities, airlines and airports for the latest operational and security updates.
