On November 10, 2026, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia experienced disruptions including flight cancellations and delays affecting multiple UAE routes, notably those connecting to Saudi Arabian cities. Operations to Riyadh, Dammam, and Abha remained disrupted, while some services to Jeddah and Madinah partially resumed with individual flight cancellations still occurring.
Individual Airline Flight Cancellations and Suspensions
Etihad Airways extended cancellations of all passenger and cargo flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and Dammam through November 19, 2026. Its Jeddah routes resumed partially from November 6, although the airline described the situation as fluid. Emirates cancelled specific Dubai-Saudi Arabia flights on November 9, including Dammam
flights EK823, EK827, EK821, Riyadh flights EK815, EK819, EK817, and Jeddah flight EK801. flydubai suspended Riyadh and Abha flights through November 16 with plans to restart services on November 17; Dammam flights were set to resume November 10, yet several individual flights such as FZ883, FZ869, FZ863, and FZ867 remained cancelled. Air Arabia cancelled select Sharjah flights to Abha (G9195), Riyadh (G9151, G9154), and Jizan (G9398), while indicating other regional services were operating.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority suspended all flights operated by Iranian carriers including Iran Airtour, Caspian Airlines, and Karun Airlines until further notice. Direct UAE-Israel flights
continued to face restrictions with Emirates and flydubai Dubai-Tel Aviv services suspended; Etihad retained limited Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv flights.
Regional Security Developments
Flight disruptions align with heightened security tensions in the Gulf. On November 10, the Saudi-led coalition intercepted a ballistic missile, a cruise missile, and a drone launched by Houthis targeting Riyadh and the Eastern Province, per Saudi Press Agency reports. US naval forces maintain a blockade of Iran amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations, while European aviation authorities extended conflict-zone warnings covering Gulf and Persian Gulf airspace until at least November 16. Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains approximately 65% below
pre-conflict levels, with UK Maritime Trade Operations reporting significant reductions in vessel transits.
Impact on Travelers and Travel Advisories
Passengers on affected UAE airlines faced cancellations and delays on November 10, 2026, especially those booked on flights to Riyadh, Dammam, Abha, Jeddah, and Madinah. Travelers holding bookings with suspended Iranian airlines were advised to contact their providers for rebooking and refunds. Operators emphasized dynamic schedules requiring passenger verification of individual flights due to ongoing volatility. Government advisories from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU counsel travelers to anticipate possible cancellations, airspace closures, and disruptions, reflecting regional security risks.
International Airline Suspensions to Saudi Arabia and Dubai
Several international carriers suspended or postponed
flights to Saudi Arabia and Dubai amid the regional conflict. IndiGo suspended Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah flights until November 14. Air India and Air India Express cancelled Riyadh and Dammam flights through the same date. Akasa Air suspended Jeddah flights until November 18 and Riyadh flights until November 30. Air France and Lufthansa paused Riyadh services until mid-November, with Lufthansa extending Dammam suspensions into late November. Cathay Pacific suspended Riyadh flights until January 31, 2027. Philippine Airlines halted Riyadh flights through November 29. Scoot cancelled Singapore-Jeddah routes until December 2. Additional carriers including ITA Airways, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Pakistan
International Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Singapore Airlines deferred route launches or suspended Saudi services, with new route introductions planned for March 2027 in some cases.
Official Statements and Regulatory Warnings
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed suspensions of Iranian airline flights. Etihad Airways stated its flight schedules to and from Saudi Arabia remained subject to change amid evolving conditions. Saudi Press Agency acknowledged Saudi air defenses’ interception of missile and drone attacks on November 10. UK Maritime Trade Operations classified an incident involving a tanker fire off Khasab as an attack. US President Donald Trump described the military stance as “locked and loaded”
while indicating diplomatic talks were ongoing. European Union Aviation Safety Agency maintained conflict-zone advisories through November 16, highlighting ongoing aviation security risks in Gulf airspace.
Ongoing Aviation Safety Concerns in Gulf Airspace
European aviation authorities continue to maintain conflict-zone warnings over the Gulf region through November 16, 2026. This status impacts flight planning for all operators using Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Iranian, and Saudi airspace. Travel advisories from multiple governments urge caution due to missile and drone threats, volatile regional military activity, and unpredictable operational changes. Scheduling uncertainties for flights through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Saudi Arabia, and Israel persist, with multiple airlines adjusting services in
response to the security environment.
