UAE Flight Updates: Emirates, Etihad and flydubai Cancel Flights Amid Saudi Disruptions

UAE Airlines Face Continued Flight Disruptions

Air travel across the UAE continues to experience disruptions, with several airlines reporting cancellations and delays on November 5, 2026.

Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia have adjusted their schedules, particularly on routes connecting the UAE with Saudi Arabia.

Regional security concerns and airspace restrictions have affected flight operations, especially services to Riyadh and Dammam.

Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi airports have also reported changes to selected arrivals and departures.

Airlines are gradually restoring international connections ahead of the winter travel season, although some routes remain affected.

Etihad and Emirates Announce Saudi Route Changes

Etihad Airways has extended the cancellation of all passenger and cargo services between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and Dammam until November 19.

Selected flights to Jeddah, including EY601, EY602, EY603 and EY604, are scheduled to resume on November 6.

Emirates has also listed cancellations affecting several Dubai-Saudi Arabia services, including flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah.

These changes mean passengers travelling between the UAE and Saudi Arabia may need to reconsider their travel arrangements.

Travellers are advised to confirm their individual bookings before heading to the airport.

flydubai and Air Arabia Also Report Changes

flydubai continues to operate a number of Saudi routes, although individual services show different statuses, including scheduled, estimated and arrived flights.

Services to destinations such as Jeddah, Medina, Ha'il, Gassim and Tabuk have varying operational updates.

Air Arabia has also reported cancellations on selected Sharjah-Saudi Arabia services, including flights to Abha, Jizan and Riyadh.

Several international airlines, including IndiGo, Air India and Lufthansa, have extended suspensions on certain Saudi routes.

Passengers should not assume that an entire destination is suspended simply because individual flights have been cancelled.

What UAE Travellers Should Know Before Flying

With flight schedules changing frequently, passengers should check the latest updates through their respective airlines before travelling to the airport.

Travellers should monitor SMS and email notifications, keep their booking details accessible and contact airlines regarding alternative flights or refunds if their journeys are affected.

Those travelling through connecting airports should also confirm that their onward services are operating as planned.

Dubai's international flight network is gradually expanding, with several airlines preparing to restore services during November and December.

However, regional developments could lead to further schedule adjustments in the coming days.