UAE Airlines Extend Riyadh Flight Suspensions Following Airport Disruption

Air travel between the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, continues to face disruption, with major UAE airlines extending flight cancellations as the situation at King Khalid International Airport remains uncertain. Dubai-based flydubai and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways have announced changes to their schedules, advising passengers to verify their bookings before travelling.

Flydubai has suspended its Riyadh services through October 14, while Etihad Airways has cancelled selected flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh scheduled for October 11 and 12. Both airlines say they are monitoring developments and will communicate further changes through their official channels.

The latest announcements mean passengers travelling between the two destinations may need to revise their plans, arrange alternative flights or seek information about refunds and rebooking. Airlines have also encouraged customers to check the status of their journeys before setting out for the airport.

The disruptions follow reports of an attack at King Khalid International Airport, which has affected normal operations and prompted airlines to review their schedules. The situation remains subject to change, with carriers continuing to coordinate with relevant authorities as they assess the impact on services.

Flydubai Extends Suspension of Riyadh Flights

Flydubai has extended the suspension of its flights to Riyadh until October 14, according to a statement issued by the Dubai-based airline on Sunday.

The carrier said all flights to the Saudi capital scheduled up to and including October 14 had been cancelled. It added that it was keeping developments under close review and maintaining communication with the relevant authorities.

The airline said passengers would receive updates through its official communication channels if further amendments were made to the schedule.

The extension means travellers with bookings on the affected services should confirm their arrangements directly with flydubai rather than relying on previously issued departure times.

Passengers whose flights have been cancelled may also need to review the options available to them, including changing their travel dates or requesting a refund, depending on the conditions applicable to their bookings.

Flydubai has directed affected customers to its website for information about rebooking and refund procedures. Travellers should check the airline’s latest guidance to determine which options are available for their individual reservations.

As the operational situation develops, the airline may issue additional updates. Passengers are therefore encouraged to monitor official announcements and ensure that their contact details are up to date so they can receive notifications about any changes.

Etihad Cancels Services Between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh

Etihad Airways has also revised its operations on the Abu Dhabi–Riyadh route, cancelling eight flights scheduled across October 11 and 12.

The airline attributed the cancellations to operational disruption at King Khalid International Airport, identified by the airport code RUH.

Six of the affected services were scheduled for Sunday, October 11, covering three return journeys between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. A further round trip was removed from the schedule for Monday, October 12.

Etihad said conditions remained uncertain and warned that additional adjustments could be made as the situation develops. The carrier has asked customers to consult its official website for the most recent information about their flights.

The cancellations affect travel in both directions, meaning passengers departing from Abu Dhabi and those planning to return from Riyadh could face changes to their itineraries.

Travellers with connecting flights or other arrangements linked to the affected services should also check whether the disruption has consequences for the rest of their journey.

Etihad has apologised for the inconvenience caused and said its teams are working to help passengers whose plans have been affected.

The airline has advised customers to use its official channels to obtain assistance and discuss the arrangements available to them.

List of Cancelled Etihad Flights

The following services between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh were listed as cancelled in the supplied announcement.

Sunday, October 11

• • EY551: Abu Dhabi to Riyadh

• • EY552: Riyadh to Abu Dhabi

• • EY555: Abu Dhabi to Riyadh

• • EY556: Riyadh to Abu Dhabi

• • EY559: Abu Dhabi to Riyadh

• • EY560: Riyadh to Abu Dhabi

Monday, October 12

• • EY551: Abu Dhabi to Riyadh

• • EY552: Riyadh to Abu Dhabi

Passengers should verify the status of their specific booking through Etihad’s official website before travelling, as schedules can change when operational conditions remain unsettled.

Airport Attack Adds to Travel Uncertainty

The flight disruption follows an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, according to the information provided in the original report.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation reportedly announced that 12 people had died in the incident. The fatalities included four Saudi nationals and eight expatriate residents.

The report also stated that 309 people were injured, with some suffering critical injuries.

The incident has raised concerns about airport operations and prompted airlines to reassess services on routes connecting the UAE with the Saudi capital.

However, the operational status of individual flights may differ depending on the airline, departure time and the latest instructions issued by the relevant authorities. Passengers should therefore avoid assuming that all services have been cancelled or that previously scheduled flights will operate as planned.

Travellers are advised to rely on official airline notifications and airport announcements for confirmed information about their journeys.

The circumstances surrounding the incident and any subsequent operational measures should be followed through updates from the relevant Saudi authorities and the airlines serving Riyadh.

Etihad Says More Schedule Changes Remain Possible

Etihad Airways has described the situation as fluid, indicating that its current flight arrangements may be revised if circumstances change.

The airline has urged passengers to check the latest status of their flights through its website before leaving for the airport. This is particularly important for those booked on services operating between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh during the affected period.

Customers should check their flight number, departure date and latest departure information rather than relying solely on their original booking confirmation.

Passengers who have onward connections should also contact the airline if a cancellation affects their wider itinerary. Depending on the circumstances and the terms of the booking, assistance may be available for alternative travel arrangements.

Etihad has said its teams are working to support affected travellers and help them understand the options available to them.

Customers seeking assistance can use the airline’s official contact page, which provides information about local telephone numbers, live chat and social media support channels.

The airline has apologised to passengers for the disruption and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the changes.

Riyadh Airport Advises Passengers to Contact Airlines

King Khalid International Airport has also issued a travel advisory asking passengers to contact their airlines directly and confirm the status of their flights before travelling to the terminal.

The guidance is intended to help travellers avoid unnecessary journeys to the airport when services have been cancelled, delayed or otherwise amended.

Passengers should check their bookings shortly before departure and continue monitoring updates if their journey is scheduled during the disruption period.

Those who have already reached the airport should follow instructions from airline staff and airport personnel, particularly if their flight is affected by operational changes.

Travellers should also make sure they have access to their booking reference, ticket details and the contact information associated with their reservation. Having these details available may help speed up communication with the airline when seeking assistance.

For people travelling from the UAE to Saudi Arabia, checking the departure airport’s information alone may not be sufficient. The status of the specific flight should be confirmed directly with the operating carrier.

Likewise, passengers departing from Riyadh should verify their return services before arranging transport to the airport.

Disruptions Have Affected the Route for Several Days

The latest cancellations are part of a broader period of disruption affecting flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

Etihad had already cancelled eight flights scheduled for October 9 and 10, according to the supplied report. The additional cancellations for October 11 and 12 indicate that the changes have continued beyond the initial period.

Repeated schedule adjustments can create difficulties for passengers with fixed travel commitments, including business meetings, family visits and onward international connections.

Travellers may need to reconsider departure dates, modify hotel reservations or adjust ground transportation arrangements if their flights are cancelled.

The uncertainty also means that passengers should be cautious about making assumptions based on earlier announcements. A flight that appeared on an original itinerary may no longer operate at its scheduled time.

For this reason, airlines recommend checking the latest status directly before departure and following the instructions provided to affected customers.

People who have booked through travel agencies or third-party booking platforms may also need to contact the relevant provider, alongside checking the operating airline’s official information.

What Passengers Should Do if Their Flight Is Cancelled

Travellers booked on affected UAE–Riyadh services should take several practical steps to manage the disruption.

1. Confirm the latest flight status. Check the airline’s official website or app using the flight number and travel date. Do this before leaving home or travelling to the airport.

2. Review rebooking options. If a flight has been cancelled, contact the airline to determine whether an alternative departure is available and whether any change fees apply.

3. Check refund eligibility. Passengers who no longer wish to travel should review the refund conditions associated with their ticket and any specific arrangements announced by the carrier.

4. Review connecting travel plans. If the cancelled flight forms part of a longer journey, contact the airline to find out how the disruption affects onward flights and other parts of the itinerary.

5. Keep booking information accessible. Have the booking reference, ticket number and registered contact details ready when communicating with airline representatives.

6. Monitor official updates. Since the situation may change, continue checking airline notifications and airport announcements until the journey has been completed.

Passengers should confirm the conditions applicable to their own booking rather than assuming that every ticket qualifies for the same rebooking or refund arrangements.

Flydubai Customers Can Check Refund and Rebooking Options

Flydubai has advised customers affected by its Riyadh cancellations to visit the airline’s website to review the options available to them.

Depending on the booking and the airline’s applicable policies, customers may be able to seek a refund or make alternative travel arrangements.

Travellers should read the instructions provided for their specific reservation and follow the airline’s official procedures when submitting a request.

Customers who booked through travel agents may need to contact the agent that issued their tickets for assistance with changes or refunds. Those who booked directly with flydubai should use the airline’s designated customer service channels.

Because flight arrangements may change as the situation develops, passengers should wait for confirmation of any alternative itinerary before assuming that a replacement service has been secured.

The airline has said it will communicate any further changes through its official channels.

How to Contact Etihad for Assistance

Passengers affected by Etihad’s cancellations can visit the airline’s official website to check their flight details and access customer support.

The carrier’s contact page lists available assistance channels, including telephone support, live chat and social media accounts.

Customers should use these channels to clarify the status of their bookings, understand available alternatives and ask how the cancellation affects other travel arrangements.

When contacting the airline, passengers should provide their booking reference and flight details to help staff identify the reservation.

Travellers with urgent onward connections or special travel requirements should explain their circumstances when seeking assistance so the airline can advise them on the options available.

Passengers should also monitor any messages sent to the email address or telephone number associated with their reservation.

UAE–Saudi Air Travel Remains Subject to Updates

The extended cancellations by flydubai and Etihad highlight the uncertainty affecting some flights between the UAE and Riyadh.

With the operational situation at King Khalid International Airport continuing to evolve, airlines are reviewing schedules and communicating changes to passengers.

Flydubai’s suspension currently extends through October 14, while the Etihad cancellations listed in the supplied announcement cover October 11 and 12. These dates reflect the information provided in the report and should be reconfirmed against the latest airline notices before publication or travel.

Passengers should not assume that every service between the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been suspended. The effect on individual journeys depends on the operating carrier, flight number and date.

The most reliable approach is to confirm the status of the specific booking through the airline and follow any instructions issued by airport authorities.

For travellers with upcoming plans, checking for updates before leaving for the airport may help prevent unnecessary journeys and make it easier to arrange alternatives if required.

As airlines continue to monitor developments, further schedule changes remain possible. Customers are encouraged to remain attentive to official announcements and contact their carriers directly for guidance on refunds, rebooking and other travel arrangements.