UAE airlines extend flight cancellations to Riyadh as airport disruption continues

UAE airlines have extended flight cancellations to Riyadh as Houthi attacks continue to disrupt operations at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia.

Dubai-based flydubai has suspended flights to Riyadh until October 14, while Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has cancelled flights until October 12. Both airlines are monitoring the situation and advising passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.

flydubai Suspends Riyadh Flights Until October 14

flydubai has cancelled flights to Riyadh up to and including October 14, citing the ongoing situation and disruption affecting travel to the Saudi capital.

A flydubai spokesperson said the airline was monitoring developments closely and remained in coordination with the relevant authorities.

The airline also said it would update customers about any changes to flight schedules through its official communication channels.

Passengers affected by the cancellations can visit flydubai’s official website to review their available refund and rebooking options.

Etihad Airways Cancels Flights Between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh

Etihad Airways has cancelled eight flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh scheduled for October 11 and 12 due to operational disruption at King Khalid International Airport (RUH).

Six services were affected on Sunday, covering three round trips between Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Riyadh. An additional round trip was cancelled for Monday, October 12.

The airline said the situation remained dynamic and further changes to its flight schedules were possible. It has advised passengers to check the latest flight information on its official website.

Etihad Flights Affected on October 12

The following flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have been cancelled:

EY551: Abu Dhabi to Riyadh
EY552: Riyadh to Abu Dhabi

Etihad apologised for the inconvenience and said its teams were working to assist affected passengers with their travel arrangements.

Riyadh Airport Attack Leaves 12 Dead and 309 Injured

The flight disruption follows an attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) reported that 12 people were killed in the attack. The fatalities included four Saudi citizens and eight expatriate residents.

The incident also left 309 people injured, including some who were reported to be in critical condition.

The attacks have raised concerns about airport operations and passenger safety, prompting airlines to reassess their flight schedules.

What Passengers Should Do Before Travelling

Passengers travelling between the UAE and Riyadh are advised to confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport.

Etihad Airways has urged customers to check the latest updates through its official website. Riyadh airport has also advised passengers to contact their airlines directly to confirm whether their flights are operating as scheduled.

Passengers affected by Etihad cancellations can use the airline’s website to access customer support options, including local contact numbers, live chat and social media channels.

Flydubai passengers can visit the airline’s website to review available refund and rebooking arrangements.

The latest cancellations extend the disruption on the Abu Dhabi–Riyadh route. Etihad had previously cancelled eight flights scheduled for October 9 and 10.

With airlines continuing to monitor developments, flight schedules may change further depending on the situation at King Khalid International Airport.

Passengers are encouraged to follow official airline announcements and confirm their bookings before making travel arrangements.