Dubai Welcomes More European Flights as Philippine Airlines Restarts Services, While Etihad Extends Saudi Route Suspensions.
Dubai: Passengers flying from the UAE on Friday, October 23, are advised to monitor their flight schedules as ongoing regional disruptions continue to affect air services to Saudi Arabia and Tel Aviv.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has recorded several flight cancellations and arrival delays, while airlines operating from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have also announced changes to their schedules.
However, there are encouraging developments for international travellers, with several European airlines preparing to restore services to Dubai later this month. Philippine Airlines has also resumed flights to the emirate, expanding travel options between the UAE and the Philippines.
Meanwhile, flight operations have restarted at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, following a recent attack, although some carriers continue to adjust their services to the kingdom.
Authorities and airlines have reminded passengers that flight disruptions are not always linked to regional security developments. Operational challenges, technical issues and adverse weather conditions can also contribute to delays or cancellations.
Travellers are therefore encouraged to verify their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.
More European Airlines to Resume Dubai Flights
Dubai International Airport is preparing to welcome the return of several European airline services, improving connectivity between the UAE and major cities across Europe.
German carrier Lufthansa is scheduled to restart flights connecting Dubai with Munich and Frankfurt on October 25.
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will follow with the resumption of its Dubai–Zurich service on October 27.
The planned resumptions are expected to restore up to 36 weekly flights between Dubai and European destinations, with additional routes scheduled to return in the coming weeks.
European Flight Resumption Schedule
- Lufthansa: Services between Dubai and Munich and Frankfurt are scheduled to resume on October 25.
- SWISS: Flights connecting Dubai and Zurich are expected to restart on October 27.
- Eurowings: Operations linking Dubai with Berlin, Stuttgart and Cologne-Bonn are scheduled to resume on November 1.
- Austrian Airlines: Dubai–Vienna flights are expected to return on December 12.
The restoration of these routes will provide additional travel options for passengers heading to Europe for business, tourism and family visits.
Philippine Airlines Restarts Dubai–Manila Services
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has resumed operations to Dubai, restoring another important air connection between the UAE and the Philippines.
The airline joins Cebu Pacific in offering direct services between Dubai and Manila.
Both carriers are operating four weekly flights each, providing a combined eight weekly services on the route.
The return of Philippine Airlines is expected to benefit Filipino expatriates in the UAE, particularly those travelling home to visit family or planning holidays in the Philippines.
The additional flights also give passengers more flexibility when choosing travel dates and airline options.
Saudi Arabia Airport Operations Resume After Dammam Attack
Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport in Dammam has resumed normal operations following Wednesday’s attack, which resulted in casualties and temporarily disrupted airport activities.
According to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the death toll has increased to two, including a Saudi national and an Indian resident.
Eight other people sustained injuries in the incident, among them two Indian nationals.
GACA confirmed that airport operations had restarted and air traffic had returned to normal.
Despite the reopening, passengers travelling between the UAE and Saudi Arabia are advised to remain alert to airline-specific schedule changes, as some carriers continue to adjust their operations in response to regional developments.
Meanwhile, Saudi coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki announced that nine drones targeting Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province had been successfully intercepted and destroyed.
Despite efforts to restore normal airport operations, flight disruptions continue across several major Saudi destinations, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah.
Several airlines have either suspended services or reduced flight frequencies as they continue to assess the regional security situation.
UAE–Iran Flights Remain Suspended
Flights operated by Iranian airlines between the UAE and Iran remain suspended until further notice.
The suspension also affects Iran Airtour services operating to and from Dubai.
Passengers with existing reservations are advised to contact their respective airlines directly to explore alternative travel arrangements, rebooking options or potential refunds.
Travellers should avoid heading to the airport without first confirming that their scheduled flight is operating.
Dubai–Tel Aviv Flights Continue to Face Disruptions
Air services connecting Dubai and Tel Aviv remain affected following a security incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30.
Emirates’ codeshare services operated by flydubai between Dubai and Tel Aviv also remain suspended until further notice.
Passengers booked on affected routes are encouraged to contact their airline or travel agency to verify reservation details and obtain information about possible changes or alternative arrangements.
Abu Dhabi Airport Reports Multiple Arrival Delays
Several incoming flights at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi have experienced delays, affecting services operated by Etihad Airways and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi.
The disruptions involve flights arriving from destinations across Asia and the Middle East, including Manila, Tel Aviv, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi, Phuket and Seoul.
Latest Arrival Delays at Zayed International Airport
| Origin | Airline and Flight | Scheduled Arrival | Revised Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manila | Etihad EY447 | 10:50am | 11:35am |
| Tel Aviv | Etihad EY610 | 11:10am | 12:10pm |
| Bangkok | Etihad EY403 | 12:30pm | 1:00pm |
| Kathmandu | Air Arabia Abu Dhabi 3L044 | 1:05pm | 1:50pm |
| Delhi | Etihad EY215 | 6:00pm | 6:35pm |
| Bangkok | Etihad EY405 | 6:30pm | 7:20pm |
| Phuket | Etihad EY417 | 7:40pm | 8:20pm |
| Seoul | Etihad EY823 | 11:05pm | 11:35pm |
These revised arrival times reflect the information provided for October 23 and may change depending on airline operations and airport conditions.
Passengers and those planning to receive arriving travellers should check the latest flight information through official airline websites or airport flight-status services.
Etihad Extends Saudi Flight Cancellations Until November 5
Etihad Airways has extended the cancellation of flights connecting Abu Dhabi with three major Saudi Arabian cities: Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah.
According to the airline update provided for this report, the affected services will remain suspended through Thursday, November 5.
The extended cancellations come amid continuing regional security concerns and operational disruptions affecting air travel to Saudi Arabia.
Dammam and Riyadh
Flights between Abu Dhabi and both Dammam and Riyadh are included in the extended suspension through November 5.
Passengers with confirmed bookings on these routes should contact Etihad Airways for the latest information regarding cancellations, rebooking arrangements and available alternatives.
Travellers are also advised to monitor official airline announcements, as schedules may be revised depending on developments in the region.
Abu Dhabi–Dammam and Riyadh Flights Cancelled Until November 5
Etihad Airways has confirmed the cancellation of all listed flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam, as well as services connecting Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, through November 5.
The suspension affects flights in both directions, with passengers advised to check their reservations and contact the airline for alternative travel arrangements.
Abu Dhabi–Jeddah Flight Cancellations
Etihad has also suspended several services between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah until November 5.
The affected flights include:
- Abu Dhabi to Jeddah: EY601 and EY603.
- Jeddah to Abu Dhabi: EY602 and EY604.
Travellers booked on these services should monitor Etihad’s official communications for updates on cancellations, rebooking and refunds.
Etihad’s Abu Dhabi–Taipei Flights Delayed by Super Typhoon Champi
Severe weather conditions linked to Super Typhoon Champi have disrupted Etihad Airways flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei.
Flight EY898, scheduled to depart Abu Dhabi for Taipei on October 22, and the return service EY899, scheduled for October 23, have both experienced delays.
Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status through Etihad’s official website and ensure their registered mobile numbers and email addresses are accurate to receive timely notifications about schedule changes.
Dubai International Airport Reports Multiple Cancellations and Delays
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has recorded several cancelled and delayed arrivals on Friday, October 23, affecting flights from Saudi Arabia, Israel, Syria and other international destinations.
While some disruptions coincide with heightened regional security concerns, others may result from airline operational requirements, technical issues or weather-related conditions.
Cancelled Arrivals at Dubai International Airport
According to the supplied flight update, the following arrivals were listed as cancelled:
| Origin | Airline | Cancelled Flight Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Dammam | flydubai / Emirates | FZ884 / EK2461, FZ870 / EK2485, FZ864 / EK2279 |
| Abha | flydubai | FZ816 |
| Riyadh | flydubai / Emirates | FZ848 / EK2267, FZ842 / EK2487 |
| Tel Aviv | flydubai / Emirates | FZ1542 / EK2333, FZ1074 / EK2121, FZ1550 / EK2370, FZ1636 / EK2269, FZ1212 / EK2364 |
| Damascus | flydubai / Emirates | FZ1116 / EK2180 |
| Jeddah | flyadeal | F3 701 |
| Qaisumah | flydubai | FZ948 |
| Karachi | Airblue | PA110 |
Some services operate under codeshare agreements, meaning the same flight may be displayed under separate airline flight numbers.
Passengers should verify their booking status directly with the operating airline before travelling.
Dubai Airport Arrival Delays on October 23
In addition to cancellations, several international arrivals at DXB have been rescheduled, with delays ranging from a few minutes to several hours.
The affected services include flights arriving from Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh and India.
Latest Delayed Arrivals
| Origin | Airline / Flight | Scheduled Arrival | Revised Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Petersburg | flydubai FZ992 | 8:00am | 11:46am |
| Minsk | Belavia B2 717 | 11:10am | 12:08pm |
| Tashkent | My Freighter Airlines C6 351 | 11:30am | 12:40pm |
| Dhaka | US-Bangla Airlines BS343 | 11:30am | 1:37pm |
| Moscow (Vnukovo) | flydubai FZ970 / Emirates EK2145 | 3:50pm | 5:05pm |
| Mumbai | SpiceJet SG5060 | 11:00am | 11:07pm |
| Kozhikode | SpiceJet SG5154 | 9:10pm, Oct. 23 | 7:35am, Oct. 24 |
The Mumbai service operated by SpiceJet is among the most significantly affected, with its arrival pushed back by more than 12 hours.
Meanwhile, the Kozhikode–Dubai SpiceJet flight has been rescheduled to arrive the following morning.
Passengers and those meeting arriving travellers are advised to consult their airline and Dubai Airports for the latest flight information.
Emirates Cancels Saudi Flights Amid Regional Disruptions
Emirates has cancelled all listed services connecting Dubai with Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah as regional disruptions continue to affect air travel.
According to the airline’s latest update referenced in the report, flights between Dubai and Medina were the only Saudi services shown as having arrived.
Separately, Emirates has also reported weather-related cancellations affecting its Dubai–Taipei operations.
Emirates Cancels Dubai–Taipei Flights Due to Severe Weather
Adverse weather conditions associated with Super Typhoon Champi have prompted Emirates to cancel two flights between Dubai and Taipei.
The affected services are:
- EK366: Dubai to Taipei — cancelled.
- EK367: Taipei to Dubai — cancelled.
However, Emirates flight EK386 from Dubai to Taipei remained scheduled, while the return service EK387 from Taipei to Dubai had already arrived, according to the airline’s October 22 update.
Passengers affected by the cancellations can review their revised travel arrangements through the Emirates Manage Your Booking service.
Emirates Dubai–Riyadh Flights Cancelled
All Emirates services listed between Dubai and the Saudi capital, Riyadh, have been cancelled in the supplied update.
The affected flights include:
- Dubai to Riyadh: EK815, EK819 and EK817.
- Riyadh to Dubai: EK816, EK820 and EK818.
Passengers travelling on these routes should contact Emirates to confirm their booking status and explore available alternatives.
Emirates Dubai–Jeddah Flights Cancelled
Emirates has also cancelled all listed services between Dubai and Jeddah as flight disruptions continue across Saudi Arabian routes.
Travellers planning to fly between the two cities should check directly with Emirates for updated schedules, rebooking options and any further operational announcements.
Emirates Cancels Dubai–Jeddah and Dammam Flights
Emirates has cancelled several services connecting Dubai with Jeddah and Dammam amid continuing disruptions to regional air travel.
Dubai–Jeddah Cancellations
The following Emirates flights are listed as cancelled:
- Dubai to Jeddah: EK801, EK805 and EK803.
- Jeddah to Dubai: EK802, EK806 and EK804.
Dubai–Dammam Cancellations
All listed Emirates services between Dubai and Dammam have also been cancelled.
- Dubai to Dammam: EK823, EK827, EK825 and EK821.
- Dammam to Dubai: EK824, EK828, EK826 and EK822.
Passengers with bookings on these routes should contact Emirates to confirm their travel arrangements and explore rebooking options.
Emirates Dubai–Medina Flights Continue Operating
While several Saudi routes remain disrupted, Emirates’ flight-status update shows that the following services between Dubai and Medina have successfully arrived:
- Dubai to Medina: EK807, EK2537 and EK809.
- Medina to Dubai: EK808, EK2538 and EK810.
Travellers should continue checking individual flight schedules, as operational conditions may change.
Emirates Suspends Tel Aviv Codeshare Services
Emirates has temporarily suspended its codeshare flights operated by flydubai between Dubai and Tel Aviv.
The suspension took effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
Affected passengers can seek assistance through their travel agents, the Emirates customer service centre or the airline’s official website.
Customers are also encouraged to update their contact information through the Manage Your Booking service to receive notifications about schedule changes.
flydubai Cancels Damascus Flights as Saudi Route Status Varies
flydubai has cancelled its listed services between Dubai and Damascus for October 23.
The affected flights are:
- FZ1115: Dubai to Damascus — cancelled.
- FZ1116: Damascus to Dubai — cancelled.
Meanwhile, the airline’s Saudi Arabian operations show a combination of scheduled, completed, estimated and in-flight services, with status information unavailable for several destinations.
Saudi Routes With No Flight-Status Information
flydubai has not displayed status information for several listed routes, including Abha, AlUla, Dammam, Gizan, Ha’il, Hofuf, Nejran, Neom, Qaisumah, Riyadh, Taif, the Red Sea and Yanbu.
However, the absence of flight-status information does not necessarily mean a service has been cancelled.
Passengers are advised to verify their individual flight bookings directly with flydubai.
Dubai–Madinah Services
According to the supplied update, the following flydubai services were listed:
- Dubai to Madinah: FZ897, FZ8387 and FZ827 — scheduled.
- Madinah to Dubai: FZ828 — arrived; FZ898 and FZ8388 — scheduled.
Dubai–Jeddah Services
Several flydubai flights between Dubai and Jeddah were operating or scheduled.
Dubai to Jeddah:
- FZ919 and FZ831 — arrived.
- FZ909 — estimated.
- FZ829 and FZ807 — scheduled.
Jeddah to Dubai:
- FZ920 — in flight, with arrival scheduled for 11:03am.
- FZ832 — in flight, with arrival scheduled for 12:31pm.
- FZ910 — estimated arrival at 4:55pm.
- FZ830 and FZ808 — scheduled.
Dubai–Tabuk and Gassim Flights
flydubai also listed the following services:
- FZ881, Dubai to Tabuk — scheduled.
- FZ882, Tabuk to Dubai — scheduled.
- FZ871, Dubai to Gassim — scheduled.
- FZ872, Gassim to Dubai — arrived.
Air Arabia Announces Cancellations From Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
Air Arabia has reported multiple flight cancellations affecting its operations from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The affected destinations span the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa, with several services suspended in both directions.
Cancelled Flights From Abu Dhabi
| Destination | Affected Flights |
|---|---|
| Baku | 3L730 and 3L731 |
| Kuwait | 3L020 and 3L021 |
| Multan | 3L335, 3L336 and EY1350 |
Etihad flight EY1351 from Multan to Abu Dhabi was listed as not yet departed in the supplied update.
Cancelled Flights From Sharjah
Air Arabia has listed cancellations affecting the following destinations:
| Destination | Cancelled Flight Numbers |
|---|---|
| Bahrain | G9013, G9014 |
| Chattogram | G9341, G9520, G9342, G9521 |
| Cairo–Sphinx | G9343, G9344 |
| Milan–Bergamo | G9695, G9696 |
| Almaty | G9251, G9252, G9254 |
| Kuwait | G9068, G9069, G9125 |
| Beirut | G9387, G9388 |
| Malé | G9093, G9094 |
| Doha | G9040, G9041 |
| Damascus | G9433, G9434 |
| Entebbe | G9691, G9692 |
| Tashkent | G9270 |
No return-flight status was provided for the Tashkent service.
Air Arabia Cancels Several Saudi Routes From Sharjah
Air Arabia has also listed cancellations on multiple routes connecting Sharjah with Saudi Arabia.
The affected flights include:
- Abha: G9195 and G9196.
- Al-Jouf: G9221 and G9222.
- Dammam: Outbound G9160, G9163 and G9167; inbound G9161, G9164 and G9168.
- Jizan: G9398 and G9399.
- Riyadh: Outbound G9151 and G9154; inbound G9152 and G9155.
- Tabuk: G9191 and G9192.
Passengers travelling on these routes should contact Air Arabia for the latest flight information and available alternatives.
Saudi Arabia Flight Disruptions: Major Airlines Extend Suspensions
Airlines across the world have extended cancellations and service restrictions to Saudi Arabia as regional security concerns continue to affect aviation.
Riyadh remains among the most heavily disrupted destinations, while services to Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah are also experiencing cancellations or reduced frequencies.
Latest Airline Cancellation Updates
| Airline | Reported Disruptions |
|---|---|
| Air France | Riyadh services cancelled through November 7 |
| Air India and Air India Express | Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah flights cancelled through October 24 |
| Akasa Air | Riyadh and Jeddah services suspended through October 24, with a separate Jeddah suspension through October 27 |
| British Airways | Riyadh flights suspended through November 3; Jeddah services permanently discontinued |
| Cathay Pacific | Riyadh passenger services cancelled through January 31, 2027 |
| Emirates | Riyadh services cancelled pending resumption of operations |
| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi–Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah cancellations extended through November 5 in the later supplied update |
| flydubai | Riyadh, Dammam and Abha services listed as cancelled through October 24 |
| Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways and Lufthansa | Riyadh flights suspended pending airport reopening |
| IndiGo | Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah flights cancelled through October 24 |
| ITA Airways | Riyadh services cancelled through November 18 |
| KLM | Riyadh and Dammam flights cancelled through October 31 |
| Malaysia Airlines | Riyadh flights suspended pending airport reopening; Jeddah and Madinah services resumed |
| Philippine Airlines | Riyadh cancellations extended through November 29 |
| Qatar Airways | Riyadh and Dammam flights cancelled through October 24; Jeddah frequencies reduced from seven to four daily services |
| Riyadh Air | Riyadh flights cancelled through October 25, with temporary booking flexibility through October 31 |
| Singapore Airlines | Launch of nonstop Riyadh service postponed until March 28, 2027 |
| SriLankan Airlines | Riyadh flights cancelled through October 24 |
The reported suspension dates differ by airline and route. Travellers should consult the latest official notices before making travel arrangements.
Riyadh Airport Introduces 24-Hour Passenger Assistance
King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh has introduced a round-the-clock Ask Me assistance service across its terminals to help passengers obtain travel information and support.
The airport has also made short- and long-term baggage storage available for up to 15 days through its Lost & Found and Baggage offices in domestic and international terminals.
Travellers affected by disruptions should contact their airlines for information about alternative flights, refunds or rebooking arrangements.
Passengers considering road or rail travel within Saudi Arabia or to neighbouring countries should confirm transport availability and applicable immigration requirements before departure.
Countries Issue Updated Saudi Arabia Travel Advisories
Several governments have issued or revised travel guidance for Saudi Arabia amid security concerns and aviation disruptions.
United Kingdom
The UK advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia and recommends avoiding all travel within 10 kilometres of the country’s border with Yemen.
United States
US authorities have warned travellers about potential attacks targeting airports, possible airspace closures and further flight cancellations.
The advisory referenced in the supplied report states that operations at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport remain suspended, while Jeddah and Dammam airports are operating with some delays and cancellations.
American citizens are encouraged to exercise extreme caution and confirm flight availability directly with airlines and airports.
Australia
Australian authorities advise against travelling to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and recommend heightened caution at other Saudi airports.
Travellers have also been encouraged to consider alternative transport options, including road and rail connections to aviation hubs in the UAE and Qatar, where practical and permitted.
Canada
Canada advises against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia and recommends avoiding all travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
India
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh reported that an Indian national had been injured in an attack at the Shaybah oilfield and said it was coordinating with Saudi authorities.
Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah has advised Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims, to verify their travel arrangements before heading to airports.
The advisory comes as flight disruptions continue despite operations at Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam airports.
What UAE Passengers Should Do Before Travelling
With flight schedules continuing to change across the UAE and the wider Middle East, passengers are advised to take extra precautions when planning their journeys.
Travellers should check their flight status through official airline websites or mobile applications before leaving for the airport.
Those affected by cancellations should contact their airlines to explore rebooking, refund or alternative travel options.
Passengers holding codeshare bookings should verify their flight details with both the airline that issued the ticket and the carrier operating the service.
As regional security concerns and weather-related disruptions continue, further schedule adjustments may occur with little notice.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to confirm their flight status and any relevant travel advisories before setting out for the airport.
