Several UAE airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, and flydubai, experienced flight cancellations and delays on November 11, 2026. The disruptions primarily affected routes to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and flights involving Iranian carriers, reflecting ongoing regional security tensions.
Regional Security and Flight Suspensions
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines such as Iran Airtour, Caspian Airlines, and Karun Airlines to and from the UAE until further notice. Flights between the UAE and Iran remain suspended due to this measure.
Direct flights between the UAE and Israel are operating under varying restrictions. Emirates and flydubai have suspended their
Dubai–Tel Aviv services through at least late November 2026, with Emirates codeshare flights also canceled. Etihad Airways continues to operate its Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv route without suspension. Israeli carriers El Al and Arkia face delays or suspensions relating to security and landing permits.
Cancellations and Delays Affecting Saudi Arabian Routes
Saudi Arabia remains a major hub of flight cancellations for UAE-based carriers. On November 11, Etihad Airways canceled all passenger and cargo flights between Abu Dhabi and the cities of Dammam and Riyadh through November 19, 2026. Flights between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah resumed partially from November 6, with EY601, EY602, EY603, and EY604 operating.
Emirates canceled
several flights to Dammam (EK823, EK827, EK821) and Riyadh (EK815, EK819, EK817) on the same day, along with one canceled flight to Jeddah (EK801). Some Emirates Medina flights operated with EK807 and EK2537 arriving, while EK809 was scheduled.
flydubai canceled all four of its scheduled Dammam flights on November 11 (FZ883, FZ869, FZ863, FZ867) but operated flights to other Saudi cities such as Jeddah (FZ831, FZ909, FZ829) and Medina (FZ897, FZ8387, FZ827). The airline also served Gassim, Ha’il, Tabuk, and Taif on this date.
Air Arabia canceled flights from Sharjah to Abha (G9195) and Riyadh (G9151 and G9154) on November
11, while flights to Dammam, Gassim, Jeddah, and Medina were operating. Unconfirmed flight status applied to some less frequent Saudi destinations.
International carriers are extending their suspensions on Saudi routes. IndiGo suspended flights to Jeddah and Medina until November 21 and to Riyadh and Dammam until November 30. Air India and Air India Express suspended Riyadh and Dammam flights through November 14. Akasa Air suspended Jeddah flights until November 18 and Riyadh flights until November 30. Air France suspended Riyadh flights through November 14.
British Airways resumed limited Riyadh service from November 3 but discontinued Jeddah operations. Cathay Pacific’s Riyadh
flights are suspended until January 31, 2027. Lufthansa suspended Riyadh flights through November 18 and Dammam flights through November 30. Eurowings plans to resume Jeddah flights on November 12.
Philippine Airlines suspended Riyadh flights through November 29. Scoot canceled Jeddah flights through December 2. ITA Airways canceled Riyadh flights until November 18. KLM suspended Riyadh and Dammam flights until November 27. Singapore Airlines postponed the planned non-stop Singapore–Riyadh service until March 28, 2027.
Alternative Airport Arrangements and Travel Advisories
Saudi Arabian carriers flyadeal and Saudia have temporarily shifted Riyadh services to Qassim Airport. Bus transfers from Riyadh city to Qassim Airport are available for affected passengers.
Additional transportation options in Saudi Arabia include intercity bus services, the railway network, and road connections to neighboring GCC countries.
The US Department of State maintains a Level 3 advisory advising US citizens to reconsider travel to the UAE due to terrorism and other security risks, warning of possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated its UAE travel advice citing unpredictable regional security and the risk of sudden escalation, advising British nationals to prepare for possible flight disruptions.
Canadian authorities advise caution for travel to the UAE due to volatile security with risks
from missile and drone threats affecting air travel. Australia’s Smartraveller also recommends travelers reconsider travel to the UAE considering missile and drone attack risks. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) maintains Conflict Zone Information Bulletins covering the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, warning aviation operators of ongoing security risks.
Maritime Security Incident in Arabian Gulf
On November 10, 2026, the Liberia-flagged tanker MT Fujairah Energy was struck by a projectile while transiting the Arabian Gulf, injuring four crew members. India’s Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed six Indian seafarers were on board, with one crew member taken
ashore for medical treatment.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a separate tanker incident in the Strait of Hormuz on the same day, though details on crew conditions and damage were not available.
Regional security tensions persist, evidenced by these maritime incidents and ongoing disruptions in commercial aviation operations throughout the UAE and neighboring countries.
