More than 428 flights experienced delays and 51 flights were cancelled across multiple U.S. airports on November 12, 2026, as widespread travel disruptions persisted amid ongoing regional security tensions affecting Middle East and Gulf airspace.
Flight Suspensions and Cancellations Between UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran
Flights between the UAE and Iran remain suspended due to an indefinite ban imposed by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, affecting Iranian carriers Iran Airtour, Caspian Airlines, and Karun Airlines. At the same time, several major Emirati airlines canceled flights to Saudi Arabian cities, focusing primarily on Riyadh and Dammam.
Etihad Airways cancelled all passenger and cargo flights from Abu Dhabi to Dammam and
Riyadh through November 19, 2026, while resuming some services to Jeddah. Emirates cancelled flights EK823, EK827, and EK821 to Dammam, as well as EK815, EK819, and EK817 to Riyadh on November 11. Emirates also cancelled flight EK801 to Jeddah on the same date.
Flydubai cancelled four flights to Dammam (FZ883, FZ869, FZ863, FZ867) on November 11, while Air Arabia cancelled services from Sharjah to Abha (G9195) and Riyadh (G9151 and G9154). Saudi domestic carriers flyadeal and Saudia have rerouted Riyadh-bound flights to Qassim Airport, employing bus transfers to Riyadh city.
Regional Security Concerns Drive Extended Flight Suspensions Across International Carriers
International airlines have extended suspensions and postponed route resumptions to
Saudi Arabia amid volatile security conditions. IndiGo suspended flights to Jeddah and Medina through November 21 and to Riyadh and Dammam through November 30. Air India and Air India Express suspended Riyadh and Dammam flights until November 14. Akasa Air suspended Jeddah flights until November 18 and Riyadh flights through November 30.
Air France suspended Riyadh services until November 14, with Cathay Pacific extending its Riyadh suspension until January 31, 2027. Lufthansa suspended Riyadh flights until November 18 and Dammam flights until November 30. Eurowings plans to resume Jeddah flights on November 12. Philippine Airlines suspended Riyadh flights until November
29, while Scoot cancelled Singapore-Jeddah flights until December 2.
Other carriers with cancellations include ITA Airways (Riyadh flights suspended until November 18), KLM (Riyadh and Dammam cancelled through November 27), Kuwait Airways (Riyadh flights suspended), and Singapore Airlines, which postponed its Singapore-Riyadh service launch to March 28, 2027.
Causes of Widespread Disruptions and Aviation Warnings
The disruptions are linked to ongoing regional security tensions, including conflicts affecting the airspace over the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has suspended Iranian airline operations indefinitely. Governments and aviation regulators including the US Department of State, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Global Affairs Canada,
Australia Smartraveller, and European Union Aviation Safety Agency have issued travel advisories citing unpredictable security risks and the possibility of flight cancellations and airspace closures.
Maritime security incidents have also contributed to the volatile environment. Notably, on November 10, a Liberia-flagged tanker was hit by a projectile in the Arabian Gulf, resulting in crew injuries. These incidents underscore continued risks in the region amid fluctuating oil prices and broader geopolitical tensions.
Traveler Impacts and Alternative Arrangements in Saudi Arabia
Travelers flying between the UAE and Saudi Arabia face cancellations and rerouted services. Riyadh-bound flights by flyadeal and Saudia are operating via Qassim Airport with bus transfers into Riyadh
to mitigate airport closures and restrictions. Passengers impacted by suspended Iranian flights must seek rebooking or refunds through their carriers.
International advisories advise heightened vigilance and expect possible further unpredictable cancellations at UAE and Saudi airports. Travelers are urged to verify flights before departure due to the dynamic operational environment.
