On November 11, 2026, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, and flydubai experienced multiple flight cancellations and delays, particularly affecting routes between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Emirates cancelled flights EK823, EK827, EK821 to Dammam; EK815, EK819, EK817 to Riyadh; and EK801 to Jeddah. Some Emirates services to Jeddah and Medina operated as scheduled. Etihad cancelled all passenger and cargo flights to Dammam and Riyadh through November 19, with limited Jeddah flights having resumed on November 6. flydubai cancelled flights FZ883, FZ869, FZ863, and FZ867 to Dammam but maintained services to Gassim, Ha’il, Jeddah, Medina, Tabuk, and Taif. Air Arabia cancelled
flights G9195 to Abha, and G9151 and G9154 to Riyadh, while other destinations operated with some statuses unconfirmed.
UAE Regulations on Iranian and Israel Flights
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the UAE, affecting carriers Iran Airtour, Caspian Airlines, and Karun Airlines until further notice. Passengers holding tickets with these airlines are required to seek rebooking or refunds. Direct flight services between the UAE and Israel continue under restrictive conditions: flydubai and Emirates have suspended Dubai–Tel Aviv flights through at least late November 2026, while Etihad Airways maintains direct Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv operations. Israeli carriers
El Al and Arkia face ongoing delays or suspensions due to security and landing permit issues.
Disruptions on UAE-Saudi Arabia Routes and International Airlines
Flight services between the UAE and Saudi Arabia remain significantly disrupted. Etihad’s cancellations to Riyadh and Dammam extend through November 19, though some Jeddah flights resumed from November 6. Emirates’ cancellations include multiple flights to Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah on November 11. flydubai and Air Arabia also recorded multiple cancellations on routes to Saudi cities. International carriers extended suspensions: IndiGo suspended Jeddah and Medina flights until November 21 and Riyadh and Dammam flights until November 30; Air India suspended Riyadh and Dammam flights until
November 14; Lufthansa suspended Riyadh flights until November 18 and Dammam until November 30; Air France’s Riyadh flights remain suspended until November 14; Philippine Airlines suspended Riyadh flights until November 29; and Scoot cancelled Singapore–Jeddah flights until December 2. Saudi airlines flyadeal and Saudia are operating Riyadh flights via Qassim Airport, providing bus transfers to Riyadh city due to airport disruptions.
Maritime Security Incidents and Regional Risk Advisories
Security concerns persist following maritime incidents in regional waters. On November 10, the Liberia-flagged VLCC MT Fujairah Energy was struck by a projectile in the Arabian Gulf, with six Indian crew on board; one crew member suffered minor injuries
and was taken ashore for medical evaluation. Additionally, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a tanker incident in the Strait of Hormuz, with details on damages and crew status pending. These incidents contribute to ongoing alert levels maintained by aviation regulators. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) continues its Conflict Zone Information Bulletins covering the Persian Gulf airspace through November 16.
Travel Advisories and Official Responses
The US Department of State maintains a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for the UAE, citing terrorism and security risks with possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated guidance on October
27, citing unpredictable regional security and risks of flight disruptions. Global Affairs Canada and Australia’s Smartraveller warn of missile and drone strike risks causing potential travel disruptions. The GCAA confirmed suspension of Iranian carrier flights until further notice. India’s Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry reported on the MT Fujairah Energy incident confirming injuries to crew. flydubai and Etihad clarified flight restrictions between the UAE and Israel, with flydubai suspending Dubai–Tel Aviv flights through late November and Etihad maintaining Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv service. Emirates advised passengers to verify flight status due to ongoing cancellations.
Flight Schedule Updates and Airline Operating Plans
Several international airlines have announced resumption timelines
for flights into UAE airports amid the ongoing disruptions. Lufthansa, SWISS, and Eurowings are scheduled to resume services to Dubai from November 25. Austrian Airlines plans to restart Vienna–Dubai flights from December 12. British Airways resumed daily London Heathrow–Dubai flights on November 3. Despite suspensions in UAE-Saudi routes, Gulf Air has resumed operations at Riyadh Airport. The situation requires continued caution for operators planning flights through Persian Gulf airspace, with active advisories remaining in place through mid-November.
