Flight cancellations between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are expected to continue into Tuesday after a deadly attack forced Riyadh’s main airport to close. Several UAE airlines have canceled services to the Saudi capital, leaving passengers facing delays and changes to their travel plans.
Etihad Airways confirmed multiple cancellations between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh on Sunday. Its latest travel advisory also listed further disruptions on Monday and Tuesday. Some flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Dammam and Jeddah were affected as well.
Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia also had services between the UAE and Riyadh listed as canceled on Sunday, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24.
The disruption followed an attack on Saturday that killed 12 people and injured 309 others. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation suspended airport operations while officials assessed the damage and carried out safety checks.
An aviation notice said King Khalid International Airport would remain closed until midnight on Sunday, or 1 a.m. Monday in the UAE. The notice cited precautionary measures but did not confirm when normal passenger operations would resume.
Flightradar24 listed 655 flights to and from Riyadh as canceled on Sunday. The cancellations affected airlines operating routes across the region and added to travel problems caused by earlier attacks.
Some UAE flights remained listed as scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. However, their operation depended on the airport’s status and further safety decisions. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines before leaving for the airport.
Etihad Airways
Etihad canceled six flights between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Riyadh on Sunday. The affected services included flights EY551, EY555 and EY559 from Abu Dhabi, along with return flights EY552, EY556 and EY560.
The airline’s latest advisory showed more cancellations for the following days. Flight EY559 from Abu Dhabi to Riyadh and EY560 from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi were listed as canceled on Monday, October 12.
The advisory also listed flights EY551 and EY552 as canceled on Tuesday, October 13. Selected services between Abu Dhabi and the Saudi cities of Dammam and Jeddah were also affected on Monday and Tuesday.
The extended cancellations mean passengers may need to change their plans even if their original flight was scheduled after the airport’s initial closure period.
Emirates
Emirates also faced disruptions on its Dubai to Riyadh route. Flightradar24 listed flights EK819 and EK817 from Dubai to Riyadh as canceled on Sunday. The return service EK820 was also listed as canceled.
On Monday, early flights EK815 and EK819 from Dubai to Riyadh were listed as canceled, along with return services EK816 and EK820.
Other Emirates flights, including EK817 and EK818, remained listed as scheduled for later on Monday. All six Emirates services between Dubai and Riyadh were listed as scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, although further changes remained possible.
Flydubai
Flydubai also canceled several flights between Dubai and Riyadh on Sunday. The affected services included FZ847, FZ841 and FZ855 from Dubai to the Saudi capital, as well as FZ848 on the return route.
The airline had previously issued travel advisories covering cancellations to Riyadh and Yanbu through October 10 and to Abha through October 11. The latest Riyadh disruptions continued beyond those earlier dates.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia services between Sharjah and Riyadh were also affected. Flightradar24 listed flights G9151 and G9154 as canceled on Sunday.
Passengers traveling with the airline should check their booking details and seek confirmation before making their way to the airport.
What Passengers Should Do
Travelers with flights to or from Riyadh should check their flight status directly with their airline before leaving home. Airline websites, mobile apps and booking notifications may provide updates as conditions change.
Passengers whose flights have been canceled should contact their airline or travel agent to discuss rebooking and refund options. Those with connecting flights should also confirm whether changes to the rest of their journey are needed.
The airport closure has created uncertainty for travelers across several UAE routes. Although some services remain scheduled, passengers should not assume that a listed flight will operate as planned.
Further updates from Saudi aviation authorities and the airlines will determine when regular services can resume. Until then, travelers should monitor official notices and confirm their arrangements before traveling.
