On November 11, 2026, several major UAE airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia reported widespread flight delays and cancellations across their networks. The disruptions predominantly affected routes from UAE airports to Saudi Arabia and Israel amid continuing regional security concerns.
UAE Suspends Iranian Carrier Flights and Imposes Restrictions on Israel Route
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has suspended flights operated by Iranian carriers Iran Airtour, Caspian Airlines, and Karun Airlines until further notice. All direct UAE–Iran flights by these airlines remain halted amidst political and security developments.
Direct flights between the UAE and Israel continue under varied restrictions. flydubai’s Dubai–Tel Aviv services are suspended through at
least late November 2026. Emirates has also suspended its Dubai–Tel Aviv flights and related codeshare operations. In contrast, Etihad Airways maintains direct Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv flights. Israeli carriers El Al and Arkia are experiencing delays and suspensions linked to security concerns and landing permit issues.
Saudi Arabian Routes Experience Extensive Cancellations and Adjustments
Saudi Arabia remains one of the most affected destinations. Etihad Airways cancelled all passenger and cargo flights to Dammam and Riyadh through November 19, 2026. Abu Dhabi–Jeddah flights EY601, EY602, EY603, and EY604 resumed from November 6, with other Jeddah flights scheduled to operate.
Emirates cancelled several flights on November 11, including Dammam flights EK823,
EK827, and EK821, and Riyadh flights EK815, EK819, and EK817. The Jeddah flight EK801 was cancelled, while EK803 and EK805 operated. Emirates’ Medina flights EK807 and EK2537 arrived, and EK809 was scheduled for departure on November 11.
flydubai cancelled four Dammam flights—FZ883, FZ869, FZ863, and FZ867—on November 11. Other flights operated or were estimated on that day to Gassim (FZ867), Ha’il (FZ925), Jeddah (FZ831, FZ909, and FZ829), Medina (FZ897, FZ8387, and FZ827), Tabuk (FZ881), and Taif (FZ873). flydubai previously confirmed suspension of Riyadh and Abha services through November 16.
Air Arabia suspended its Sharjah–Abha flight G9195 and Riyadh flights G9151
and G9154 but continued operating to Dammam, Gassim, Jeddah, and Medina. Services to Al Jouf, Ha’il, Gizan, and Tabuk lacked flight-status confirmation as of the latest update.
Saudi carriers flyadeal and Saudia temporarily re-routed Riyadh flights to Qassim Airport, providing bus transfers between the Qassim Airport and Riyadh Bus Station.
International Airlines Extend Suspensions on Saudi Routes
Multiple international carriers have extended cancellations or rescheduling for Saudi Arabian destinations. IndiGo suspended flights to Jeddah and Medina until November 21 and Riyadh and Dammam until November 30. Air India and Air India Express suspended Riyadh and Dammam flights until November 14.
Akasa Air’s services to Jeddah and Riyadh
remain suspended until November 18 and November 30 respectively, with refunds and rebooking options available. Air France suspended Riyadh flights until November 14. British Airways resumed limited daily flights to Riyadh starting November 3 but discontinued Jeddah services.
Cathay Pacific suspended Riyadh flights until January 31, 2027. Pakistan International Airlines temporarily suspended Riyadh services without announced resumption dates. Delta Air Lines postponed its Atlanta–Riyadh route launch until March 2027.
Lufthansa extended Riyadh flight suspensions until November 18 and Dammam until November 30. Eurowings planned to resume Jeddah services on November 12. Philippine Airlines suspended Riyadh flights until November 29. Scoot
cancelled Singapore–Jeddah flights through December 2. Gulf Air resumed Riyadh operations while ITA Airways and KLM cancelled Riyadh and Dammam flights until November 18 and November 27 respectively. Kuwait Airways cancelled Riyadh flights until airport operations resume. Singapore Airlines postponed its Singapore–Riyadh flight launch until March 28, 2027.
Security Incidents Raise Regional Risks Amid US-Iran Tensions
Flight disruptions reflect heightened regional security tensions linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. On November 10, the Liberia-flagged VLCC MT Fujairah Energy was hit by a projectile in the Arabian Gulf, injuring four crew members including six Indian seafarers onboard. One crew member suffered minor injuries and was taken ashore for medical
assessment.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a separate incident involving a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The crew’s condition and damage details were not confirmed at the time of reporting.
The US Department of State maintains a Level 3 travel advisory for the UAE, warning of terrorism and security risks, including possible missile and drone attacks and sudden airspace restrictions. The advisory urges preparedness for sudden flight cancellations and operational changes.
Meanwhile, geopolitical developments continue as the US House of Representatives blocked an attempt to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over his management of the Iran war. Russian
and Iranian officials held talks in Moscow related to regional security.
