On November 10, 2026, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia encountered widespread flight cancellations and delays impacting UAE airports and regional routes, especially flights to Saudi Arabian cities including Riyadh, Dammam, and Abha.
UAE Suspends Iranian Airline Flights Amid Heightened Regional Tensions
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has suspended all flights operated by Iranian carriers Iran Airtour, Caspian Airlines, and Karun Airlines until further notice. This suspension affects direct air services between the UAE and Iran, requiring affected passengers to seek rebooking or refunds.
Security Situation Spurs Flight Disruptions
Regional security concerns escalated on November 10, when Saudi Arabia intercepted ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones launched by Houthi forces targeting Riyadh
and the Eastern Province. The ongoing US naval blockade of Iran remains in effect amid diplomatic efforts with no resolution. European aviation authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), have extended conflict-zone warnings for the Gulf and adjacent airspace through November 16, 2026.
Airline-Specific Cancellations and Schedule Changes to Saudi Arabia
Etihad Airways extended cancellations of all passenger and cargo flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and Dammam through November 19, 2026. Etihad resumed four weekly Abu Dhabi-Jeddah flights from November 6 but other services to Jeddah and additional Saudi destinations remain variable.
Emirates canceled multiple Dubai-Saudi Arabia flights on November 9, including Dubai-Dammam flights EK823,
EK827, EK821, and Dubai-Riyadh flights EK815, EK819, EK817; however, November 10 flight statuses remain unconfirmed.
flydubai suspended services to Riyadh and Abha through November 16, with a planned restart on November 17. While flydubai resumed flights to Dammam on November 10, several flights such as FZ883, FZ869, FZ863, and FZ867 were canceled that day. Other flydubai services to Jeddah, Madinah, Tabuk, Taif, Gassim, and Ha’il were reported operational.
Air Arabia canceled selected flights from Sharjah to Abha (G9195), Riyadh (G9151, G9154), and Jizan (G9398) on November 10, with flights to Dammam, Gassim, Ha’il, Jeddah, Madinah, and Tabuk continuing to operate.
International Airlines’ Saudi Arabia Services Suspended
Several international carriers have suspended or canceled Saudi Arabia-bound flights through varied dates. IndiGo halted service to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah until November 14. Akasa Air suspended Jeddah flights until November 18 and Riyadh flights until November 30.
Lufthansa suspended flights to Riyadh until November 18 and to Dammam until November 30. Cathay Pacific suspended Riyadh services until January 31, 2027. Singapore Airlines postponed its Riyadh service launch until March 28, 2027. Other carriers including Air France, Philippine Airlines, Scoot, ITA Airways, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Pakistan International Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have also altered or suspended Saudi routes
within similar or extended timeframes.
Official Travel Advisories Reflect Elevated Risks and Disruptions
The US Department of State maintains a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for the UAE due to terrorism and security concerns. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) cites unpredictable regional security with the potential for sudden escalation, flight cancellations, and airspace closures. Global Affairs Canada directs high caution amid missile and drone attacks raising the risk of travel delays. Australia’s Smartraveller advises reconsidering travel to the UAE considering regional security. EASA continues to issue active conflict-zone information bulletins for the Gulf region airspace through November 16, 2026.
Traveler Impacts and Airline Guidance
Passengers flying with Emirates, Etihad, flydubai,
and Air Arabia on November 10 should anticipate cancellations and delays, particularly on routes to Riyadh, Dammam, and Abha. Travelers booked on Iranian airlines remain affected by the UAE’s suspension actions. Direct UAE-Israel flights reflect uneven operation: flydubai and Emirates have suspended Dubai-Tel Aviv services, while Etihad continues Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv flights. Passengers must verify airline-specific flight statuses due to the evolving and unpredictable nature of operations amid regional security tensions.
Government and Airline Statements on Dynamic Security Environment
Etihad Airways has acknowledged the dynamic nature of the flight schedule with potential for further modifications. The US administration has maintained a robust military posture in the region despite
diplomatic engagements, with President Donald Trump indicating the US remains “locked and loaded.” European and North American authorities continue to emphasize caution in aviation operations due to hostile missile and drone activity and ongoing regional military actions, necessitating vigilant monitoring of flight operations.
