UAE flight updates: Latest cancellations, delays and Dubai tourism developments

Dubai rolls out new tourism initiatives as airlines gear up for winter travel demand.

UAE travel is set for a busy November, with Dubai gearing up for the winter tourism season and more international flights expected to resume. New tourism initiatives, including a membership programme for repeat visitors and online visa applications, are also aimed at strengthening the emirate’s appeal.

However, regional tensions continue to disrupt air travel, with delays and cancellations reported at airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Services to Saudi Arabia remain particularly affected, with Etihad Airways extending cancellations on selected routes until November 5. Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia have also announced schedule changes.

Here are the latest UAE flight, airline, tourism and regional travel developments for Monday, November 2.

Key UAE travel updates today

• Dubai tourism: New invitation-only membership club launched for repeat visitors.
• Tourist visas: Online visa applications through Visit Dubai set to begin this month.
• Airport disruptions: Delays and cancellations reported across DXB, DWC, AUH and Sharjah airports.
• Saudi flights: Services to Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and other destinations remain affected.
• Airline resumptions: British Airways is scheduled to resume flights on November 3, while other carriers have revised their return plans.
• Regional tensions: Developments involving Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Yemen and Gaza continue to affect the regional travel outlook.

Dubai launches membership club for repeat visitors

Dubai has introduced the invitation-only Dubai Access Club, offering returning visitors exclusive benefits and experiences. Further details about eligibility and membership are expected.

Tourists can apply for Dubai visas through Visit Dubai

From November, visitors will be able to apply for single-entry and multiple-entry visas through the Visit Dubai website. Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) will assess applications and issue the visas.

Dubai flight updates: Airline resumptions

Dubai’s departing seat capacity reached 7.2 million in October, marking a 23 per cent increase from June.

British Airways is scheduled to resume flights on November 3, with up to 36 weekly services between Dubai and Europe expected between late October and December.

Other airlines have revised or postponed their return schedules:

• British Airways: November 3.
• Lufthansa: November 25.
• SWISS: Revised return date awaited.
• Eurowings: Revised return date awaited.
• ITA Airways: Suspended until November 30.

Singapore Airlines has also extended the suspension of its SQ494 and SQ495 Dubai services until February 28, 2027, citing the situation in the Middle East.

Passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest schedules and travel arrangements before heading to the airport.

Middle East tensions and regional travel

The UAE has called for a diplomatic breakthrough while remaining prepared for further escalation, as US President Donald Trump renews his threats of military action against Iran.

Speaking at a rally in Iowa, Trump warned that Washington might have to give Tehran “the hammer”, saying the conflict would end “very soon, one way or the other” — either through a deal or military action.

Iran has warned that any renewed conflict could last longer. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said discussions with mediators on a two-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz were continuing.

Tensions have also intensified following reports of tanker explosions and attacks on vessels in the strategic waterway, the targeting of Qatar’s Al Mayeda LNG carrier, and Saudi interceptions of Houthi missiles and drones. The Saudi-led coalition has also announced strikes on Houthi-linked military sites in Yemen.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces killed at least nine Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday, as a military operation in Hebron in the occupied West Bank entered its 10th day.

Dubai airports flight status: Delays and cancellations

Dubai airports are reporting several flight delays and cancellations, with services to Saudi Arabia among the most affected. Flights to and from Riyadh and Gassim are among those cancelled, while a number of international arrivals and departures are running behind schedule.

DXB arrivals: Delays and cancellations

Delayed flights:

• Ahmedabad: SpiceJet SG5116 – delayed from 8.50am to 10.09am.
• Yekaterinburg: flydubai FZ980 – delayed from 7.45am to 8.36am.
• Jeddah: Saudia SV590 – delayed from 4.55am to 6.22am.

Cancellations:

• Gassim: flydubai service FZ (flight number to be confirmed).
• Riyadh: flynas XY215.

DXB departures: Cancellations

Riyadh:

• flynas XY201, XY202, XY210, XY216, XY217 and XY218.
• Riyadh Air RX241 and RX243.

Gassim:

• flynas XY205.

Other destinations:

• Tashkent: Uzbekistan Airways HY3254.
• Islamabad: Air Sial PF784.

DXB and DWC departures: Delays

• Jeddah: Saudia SV591 – delayed from 6am to 7.15am.
• Islamabad: Airblue PA211 – delayed from 5am to 6.15am.
• Moscow (Vnukovo): Pobeda DP991 – delayed from 6.10pm to 7.32pm (DWC).
• Bangkok: flydubai FZ1584 – delayed from 3.30pm to 4.31pm.
• Astana: flydubai FZ1396 – delayed from 2.10pm to 3.21pm.
• Yekaterinburg: flydubai FZ998 – delayed from 1.40pm to 3.16pm.
• Chittagong: flydubai FZ564 – delayed from 12.55pm to 2.08pm.
• Amritsar: Air India Express IX107 – delayed from 8.55am to 12.07pm.

What passengers need to know

• Check your flight status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport.
• Allow extra time for check-in and airport procedures.
• Monitor airline notifications for last-minute schedule changes.
• Confirm the correct airport and terminal, particularly if travelling from Dubai World Central (DWC).

Flight information is based on the schedule details provided and is subject to change.

Abu Dhabi flight status: Arrivals delayed, no departure disruptions

Several incoming flights at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) are experiencing delays, including services from Tel Aviv, Paris, Lahore, Hyderabad and other Indian cities. No departure delays or cancellations have been reported.

AUH arrivals: Delayed flights

• Tel Aviv: Etihad EY600 – delayed from 6am to 6.40am.
• Paris: Etihad EY034 – delayed from 6.45am to 7.35am.
• Lahore: Etihad EY285 – delayed from 7am to 7.45am.
• Hyderabad: Etihad EY353 – delayed from 6.30am to 7.15am.
• Thiruvananthapuram: Etihad EY265 – delayed from 6.55am to 7.50am.
• Thiruvananthapuram: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi 3L134 – delayed from 7.55am to 8.40am.
• Chennai: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi 3L142 – delayed from 7.50am to 8.50am.
• Kochi: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi 3L128 – delayed from 7.45am to 8.55am.
• Cairo: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi 3L425 – delayed from 8.05am to 12.10pm.
• Tel Aviv: Etihad EY610 – delayed from 11.15am to 12.25pm.
• Tel Aviv: Etihad EY596 – delayed from noon to 12.30pm.
• Chicago: Etihad EY010 – delayed from 12.35pm to 1.10pm.
• Boston: Etihad EY008 – delayed from 12.55pm to 1.30pm.
• Lisbon: Etihad EY100 – delayed from 7.45pm to 8.45pm.

AUH departures

No departure delays or cancellations have been reported.

Etihad cancels flights to Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until November 5

Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and the Saudi cities of Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until Thursday, November 5, citing regional disruption.

Flights affected:

• Dammam: All flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam cancelled.
• Riyadh: All flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh cancelled.
• Jeddah: Flights EY601, EY602, EY603 and EY604 cancelled.

Passengers are advised to check their flight status on Etihad’s website before travelling, as further schedule changes are possible.

Emirates flight cancellations between Dubai and Saudi Arabia

Emirates has also cancelled several services between Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Dubai–Dammam flights

The following Emirates services between Dubai and Dammam have been cancelled:

• Dubai to Dammam: EK823, EK827 and EK821.
• Dammam to Dubai: EK824, EK828 and EK822.

Dubai–Riyadh flights

The following services between Dubai and Riyadh have been cancelled:

• Dubai to Riyadh: EK815, EK819 and EK817.
• Riyadh to Dubai: EK816, EK820 and EK818.

Dubai–Jeddah flights

Emirates services between Dubai and Jeddah show a mix of cancellations and scheduled departures.

Dubai to Jeddah:

• EK801: Cancelled.
• EK805: Scheduled.
• EK803: Scheduled.

Jeddah to Dubai:

• EK802: Cancelled.
• EK806: Scheduled.
• EK804: Scheduled.

Dubai–Medina flights

Emirates services between Dubai and Medina are listed as scheduled or have already arrived.

Dubai to Medina:

• EK807: Arrived.
• EK2537: Scheduled.
• EK809: Scheduled.

Medina to Dubai:

• EK808: Scheduled.
• EK2538: Scheduled.
• EK810: Scheduled.

flydubai: Saudi flight cancellations and latest updates

flydubai is operating a mix of scheduled, estimated and completed services between Dubai and Saudi Arabia, while several flights to Dammam, Riyadh, Abha and Tabuk have been cancelled amid regional disruption.

Passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Dubai–Saudi Arabia flights: Scheduled and estimated services

Medina (MED)

• Dubai to Medina: FZ8387 and FZ897 are estimated; FZ827 is scheduled.
• Medina to Dubai: FZ828 has arrived; FZ8388 is scheduled; FZ898 is estimated.

Ha’il (HAS)

• Dubai to Ha’il: FZ925 is scheduled.
• Ha’il to Dubai: FZ926 is scheduled.

Gassim (ELQ)

• Dubai to Gassim: FZ871 is scheduled.
• Gassim to Dubai: FZ872 has arrived.

Jeddah (JED)

• Dubai to Jeddah: FZ831 has arrived; FZ909 and FZ829 are estimated.
• Jeddah to Dubai: FZ832, FZ910 and FZ830 are scheduled.

Taif (TIF)

• Dubai to Taif: FZ873 is estimated.
• Taif to Dubai: FZ874 is scheduled.

flydubai flights cancelled to Saudi Arabia

The following services have been cancelled for November 2, 2026:

Dammam (DMM)

• Dubai to Dammam: FZ883, FZ869, FZ863 and FZ867.
• Dammam to Dubai: FZ884, FZ870, FZ864 and FZ868.

Riyadh (RUH)

• Dubai to Riyadh: FZ847 and FZ855.
• Riyadh to Dubai: FZ848 and FZ856.

Abha (AHB)

• Dubai to Abha: FZ813.
• Abha to Dubai: FZ814.

Tabuk (TUU)

• Dubai to Tabuk: FZ881.
• Tabuk to Dubai: FZ882.

Saudi routes with no flight-status information

No flight-status information was available on flydubai’s website for the following destinations:

• AlUla (ULH)
• Gizan (GIZ)
• Jouf (AJF)
• Riyadh (RUH)
• Nejran (EAM)
• Neom (NUM)
• Qaisumah (AQI)
• The Red Sea (RSI)
• Yanbu (YNB)

The absence of flight-status information does not necessarily mean services have been cancelled or suspended. Passengers should contact flydubai or check their bookings directly for confirmation.

What flydubai passengers need to know

• Check flight status on the flydubai website before travelling.
• Monitor airline notifications for last-minute changes.
• Contact flydubai if your booking does not show an updated flight status.
• Do not assume a service is cancelled or suspended simply because its status is unavailable.

Flight information is based on the updates provided and remains subject to change.

Air Arabia: Multiple cancellations from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah

Air Arabia has cancelled several flights operating from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, affecting services to destinations including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Bangladesh, Oman and Russia.

Abu Dhabi flights cancelled

The following services to and from Abu Dhabi have been cancelled:

• Chattogram: Abu Dhabi–Chattogram 3L061 and return flight 3L062.
• Cairo (Sphinx): Abu Dhabi–Cairo 3L383 and return flight 3L384.
• Kuwait: Abu Dhabi–Kuwait 3L020 and return flight 3L021.
• Salalah: Abu Dhabi–Salalah 3L267 and return flight 3L268.

Sharjah flights cancelled

Saudi Arabia

• Sharjah–Abha: G9195; Abha–Sharjah: G9196.
• Sharjah–Riyadh: G9151 and G9154; Riyadh–Sharjah: G9152 and G9155.

Kuwait

• Sharjah–Kuwait: G9068 and G9124.
• Kuwait–Sharjah: G9069 and G9125.

Qatar

• Sharjah–Doha: G9040 and G9027.
• Doha–Sharjah: G9041 and G9028.

Bangladesh

• Sharjah–Dhaka: G9514.
• Dhaka–Sharjah: G9515.

Egypt

• Sharjah–Cairo: G9583.
• Cairo–Sharjah: G9584.

Oman

• Sharjah–Salalah: G9390.
• Salalah–Sharjah: G9391.

Russia

• Sharjah–Moscow (Domodedovo): G9950, G9956 and G9958.
• Moscow–Sharjah: G9957, G9959 and G9951.

Other international routes

• Nairobi: Sharjah–Nairobi G9708; return G9709.
• Colombo: Sharjah–Colombo G9587.
• Damascus: Sharjah–Damascus G9363; return G9364.
• Bangkok: Sharjah–Bangkok G9845; return G9846.
• Entebbe: Sharjah–Entebbe G9691; return G9692.
• London Gatwick: Sharjah–London Gatwick G9267; return G9268.

What Air Arabia passengers need to know

Passengers should check their flight status directly with Air Arabia before travelling to the airport, as schedules remain subject to change. All flight numbers listed above were reported as cancelled in the supplied airline status update.

Saudi flight cancellations: Airline updates and travel alternatives

Several international airlines continue to adjust or suspend services to Saudi Arabia amid regional airspace restrictions. The following updates cover announced suspension dates and alternative travel arrangements.

• IndiGo: Flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah remain cancelled until November 14, 2026, due to regional airspace restrictions.
• Air India and Air India Express: Riyadh and Dammam services remain suspended until November 14, while Jeddah flights are suspended until October 31. Eligible passengers with bookings issued on or before October 24 can opt for flexible rebooking or a full refund.
• Akasa Air: Jeddah flights are suspended until November 18, and Riyadh services until November 30. Affected passengers can request a full refund within seven days or reschedule without additional charges.
• Qatar Airways: Riyadh flights were 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 suspended until October 31.
• SalamAir: Services to and from Riyadh and Dammam are cancelled until October 31, citing regional security developments.
• Air France: Flights to and from Riyadh are suspended until November 14, 2026.
• British Airways: A limited Riyadh service, operating one flight daily, is scheduled to resume on November 3. The airline has discontinued its Jeddah services.
• Cathay Pacific: Riyadh flights are suspended until January 31, 2027.
• Pakistan International Airlines (PIA): Riyadh flights have been temporarily suspended, with no resumption date announced.
• Delta Air Lines: The launch of flights between Atlanta and Riyadh has been postponed until March 2027.
• Lufthansa: Riyadh flights are suspended until November 18, while Dammam services are suspended through November 30. Eurowings is scheduled to resume Jeddah flights on November 12.
• Philippine Airlines: Riyadh flights PR654 and PR655 are suspended until November 29.
• Scoot: Services between Singapore and Jeddah are cancelled until December 2.
• Gulf Air: Bahrain’s national carrier has resumed operations at Riyadh Airport.
• ITA Airways: Flights to and from Riyadh are cancelled until November 18.
• KLM: Services to and from Riyadh and Dammam are cancelled until November 27.
• Kuwait Airways: Riyadh flights remain cancelled until operations resume at the airport.
• Riyadh Air: Some flights to and from Riyadh are cancelled until November 5. Eligible passengers travelling up to November 7 can access temporary travel flexibility. Those who booked through travel agents should contact them directly for rebooking or refund assistance.
• Singapore Airlines: The launch of its non-stop Riyadh service has been postponed until March 28, 2027.
• SriLankan Airlines: Flights to and from Riyadh are cancelled until November 1.

Saudi airlines: Alternative airport arrangements

flyadeal

All Riyadh services have been temporarily shifted to Qassim Airport (ELQ). The airline is providing bus transfers between Riyadh and Qassim Airport, departing from Riyadh Bus Station.

Saudia

Riyadh services are operating through Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Al Qassim (ELQ), with bus transfers connecting the alternative airport to Riyadh. Passengers should check their bookings for transfer arrangements.

Services for travellers at Riyadh airport

• 24-hour assistance: King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) has an ‘Ask Me’ service across all terminals to answer passenger queries and provide travel updates.
• Luggage storage: Passengers can store luggage for up to 15 days at the Lost & Found Office and Baggage Office in the domestic and international terminals.

Alternative travel options

• Road travel: Travellers stranded in Saudi Arabia can explore road connections to neighbouring GCC countries.
• Intercity buses: Check available Saudi intercity bus services for regional connections.
• SAR trains: Passengers travelling between Riyadh and other cities can check services across Saudi Arabia’s railway network.

What UAE passengers need to know

UAE travellers are facing a changing flight situation on November 2, with selected Saudi Arabia routes and several international services affected by cancellations and delays.

At the same time, Dubai is expanding its tourism offering and preparing for the winter travel season, with new visitor benefits, easier visa applications and planned airline resumptions. Passengers should continue monitoring airline announcements and checking their bookings before travelling, as regional developments could lead to further schedule changes.

Travellers using Dubai International Airport (DXB), Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Sharjah International Airport should contact their airlines directly for the latest flight status, departure times, rebooking options and refund arrangements before setting off.

UAE travellers: What to check before departure

• Check your flight status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport.
• Do not rely solely on previously published schedules, as timings and cancellations can change.
• Contact your airline for rebooking, refunds or alternative arrangements if your flight is cancelled.
• Confirm your departure airport and terminal, particularly when travelling through DXB or Dubai World Central (DWC).
• If flight-status information is unavailable, contact the airline to confirm whether your service is operating.