Saudi Arabia flight suspensions extend into November as Riyadh airport reopens

Flight cancellations across Saudi Arabia continue as airlines extend suspensions amid ongoing regional tensions and attacks by Yemen's Houthis. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport has partially reopened following its closure earlier this month, but international services remain disrupted. The airport is operating terminals 1 and 2 from October 25, with terminal 1 designated for domestic flights and terminal 2 for international flights.

Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until November 5 owing to the regional disruption. All services to and from Riyadh and Dammam are affected, along with four Jeddah services: EY601, EY602, EY603 and EY604.

“Check your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport.”

Emirates will resume flights between Dubai and Jeddah on October 30, with EK801, EK805 and EK803 scheduled to fly to King Abdulaziz International Airport, and EK802, EK806 and EK804 due to operate the return legs to Dubai. Flights to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam are due to resume on November 8. The airline's services to Medina Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport continue to operate.

Flydubai has cancelled flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha up to and including October 29. From October 30, it will operate two daily flights to Riyadh: FZ847 and FZ855, with FZ848 and FZ856 returning. Four daily flights will resume to Dammam: FZ883, FZ869, FZ863 and FZ867, with FZ884, FZ870, FZ864 and FZ868 returning. One route will operate to Abha: FZ813 and FZ814.

Air Arabia has cancelled services between Sharjah and Saudi cities, though specific resumption dates were not provided in the available text. Travellers are advised to check flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority reminded passengers to review ticket terms, refund and rebooking policies, and baggage allowances before travelling. If a flight is disrupted, passengers should first raise concerns with the airline or travel agent. Those unhappy with the response can escalate their complaint to the authority within 14 days.