Latest update as of 13 October 2026, 12:42pm

Airlines operating between the UAE and Saudi Arabia have extended flight cancellations and suspensions following a series of attacks on the kingdom’s airports, although some services previously reported as cancelled are now appearing on flight schedules again.

The disruption has affected Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia and several international carriers, with Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport expected to remain closed until at least October 17.

According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, 486 of 1,048 scheduled departures from Saudi airports on Monday had been cancelled or did not operate, representing 46.4 per cent of services.

A further 271 departures scheduled for Tuesday were already listed as cancelled or not operating, according to the data.

The disruption was particularly severe on Sunday, when 623 of 1,096 scheduled departures across Saudi Arabia were cancelled or did not operate. At Riyadh airport, 353 of 354 scheduled departures were affected.

Here is the latest airline-by-airline update.

Emirates: Riyadh flights cancelled, Dammam schedules change

Emirates continues to face cancellations across its Saudi network, particularly on services connecting Dubai with Riyadh.

Flights EK815, EK817 and EK819 from Dubai to Riyadh were listed as cancelled for October 13, alongside return flight EK816.

Services to Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah have also been affected, although passengers should note that not every previously cancelled flight remains grounded.

Flight EK821 from Dubai to Dammam, which was cancelled on October 12, was showing as scheduled and on time for October 13 on FlightStats. It was also listed as scheduled for October 14.

The service’s appearance on flight schedules does not, however, confirm that it has departed or will operate.

Selected Emirates services to Jeddah, including EK801, EK803 and EK805, have also been reported as cancelled on October 13.

Etihad Airways: Riyadh cancellations extended until October 19

Etihad Airways has cancelled all flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh until Monday, October 19.

The airline has also confirmed the cancellation of all Abu Dhabi-Dammam flights until October 19 too.

Selected Jeddah services remain affected, with the following flights cancelled between October 13:

– EY601: Abu Dhabi to Jeddah
– EY602: Jeddah to Abu Dhabi
– EY603: Abu Dhabi to Jeddah
– EY604: Jeddah to Abu Dhabi

Etihad has warned that schedules could change further as it continues to monitor the regional situation.

flydubai: Riyadh, Dammam and Abha services affected

flydubai has extended cancellations affecting several destinations in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Dammam and Abha.

On Tuesday, Dubai Eye reported receiving an updated statement from the airline saying flights to the three destinations had been cancelled up to and including October 19, extending earlier guidance that covered services until October 14.

Affected routes include Dubai-Riyadh services FZ841, FZ847 and FZ855, as well as multiple flights between Dubai and Dammam.

However, not all flydubai services to Saudi Arabia are seemingly suspended.

Flight FZ905 from Dubai to AlUla, which appeared on an earlier cancellation list, was showing as scheduled for October 13, according to FlightStats. The service also operated on October 12, according to Flightradar24 flight-history data.

Passengers should therefore check their individual flight numbers rather than assume that all Saudi destinations are affected.

Air Arabia: Sharjah flights to Riyadh and Abha cancelled

Air Arabia has reported cancellations affecting several routes between Sharjah and Saudi Arabia.

Flights G9151 and G9154 serving Riyadh were listed as cancelled for October 13, along with G9195 to Abha.

Cancellations have also been reported on selected services to Taif and other Saudi destinations.

However, some flights remain on published schedules, including G9160 between Sharjah and Dammam, which was still listed as scheduled by Flightradar24 for October 13.

Travellers should verify their flight status directly with Air Arabia, particularly for services operating late at night or arriving the following morning.

Qatar Airways suspends Riyadh and Dammam flights

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam, citing the current regional situation.

The airline has not announced a confirmed resumption date for the affected services.

International airlines extend Saudi flight suspensions

Several international carriers have also extended cancellations or postponed services:

– Lufthansa Group: Riyadh flights cancelled until October 16.
– Air France-KLM: Riyadh services suspended until the end of October.
– IndiGo: Riyadh and Dammam cancellations extended until October 15.
– Air India: Riyadh services suspended until October 15.
– Akasa Air: Riyadh and Jeddah services suspended until October 13.
– Gulf Air: Bahrain-Riyadh services cancelled from October 12 to 17.
– Philippine Airlines: Riyadh services suspended until November 29.
– Cathay Pacific: Resumption of Hong Kong-Riyadh and Hong Kong-Dubai flights postponed through January 31, 2027.
– Delta Air Lines: Launch of its planned Atlanta-Riyadh service postponed until March 2027.

When will Riyadh airport reopen?

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport while safety inspections and operational readiness assessments continue.

A Notice to Airmen issued on Monday indicated that the airport would remain closed until 2100 GMT on October 17. This is the current published closure deadline, rather than a guaranteed reopening time.

The closure follows attacks on the airport over the weekend, including a strike on Saturday that killed 13 people and injured more than 300.

The continuing disruption has affected both domestic and international flights, with passengers advised to check their airline’s official flight-status service before travelling to the airport.

• *Flight information remains subject to change. A flight appearing as scheduled does not guarantee its operation, while a previous cancellation does not necessarily mean subsequent services remain suspended.

Dubai Police have arrested a group of individuals accused of deliberately posting fake negative reviews on a company’s Google Maps listing in an attempt to damage its reputation and cause financial losses.

According to local media reports, the arrests followed a complaint filed by the company’s management after it discovered a series of negative online reviews targeting its business.

Major Yasser Juma Mohammed, Head of the Social Media Crimes Section at Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation, revealed that investigations uncovered a coordinated campaign involving several commercial establishments that had allegedly formed groups to publish false comments about the company.

The case highlights the growing risks businesses face from online reputation attacks, particularly as customer ratings and digital reviews increasingly influence purchasing decisions.

Dubai Police uncover coordinated fake review campaign

Details of the case were disclosed during an episode of the Dubai Police Podcast, titled A Single Word Could Become a Case. Be Careful, released on Monday, October 12.

The episode, presented by radio host Mohammed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, examined the legal consequences of publishing harmful content online and the responsibilities of social media users.

According to Major Yasser, investigations revealed that individuals associated with commercial establishments had coordinated the publication of misleading reviews on Google Maps to undermine the targeted company’s reputation.

Dubai Police formed a team to investigate the accounts, identify those responsible and take action. The suspects were subsequently arrested and referred to the Public Prosecution.

Authorities did not disclose the identity of the affected company, the number of individuals arrested or the value of the financial losses in the reports reviewed.

Fake Google reviews: What UAE businesses should know

The incident underscores the potential commercial impact of manipulated online reviews, which can influence customer confidence, purchasing decisions and a company’s digital reputation.

For businesses operating in competitive sectors such as retail, hospitality and professional services, negative online ratings can affect customer acquisition and brand perception.

The case also draws attention to the distinction between legitimate customer criticism and deliberately fabricated reviews intended to harm a competitor.

Major Yasser stressed that freedom of expression has limits and that online comments must not be exploited to harm individuals, businesses or their interests.

The police official warned that intentionally publishing false or damaging content could expose individuals to legal accountability under the UAE’s cybercrime framework.

For companies, the case highlights the importance of monitoring online reviews, documenting suspected coordinated attacks and reporting potentially unlawful activity to the relevant authorities.
Dubai Police warn against online rumours

Beyond fake business reviews, Major Yasser also warned that publishing or resharing rumours on social media could result in legal consequences.

He urged internet users to verify information before circulating it and to rely on official authorities and trusted sources, particularly during emergencies.

The official explained that cybercrimes extend beyond financial fraud and hacking to include online insults, threats, misinformation and other unlawful activities conducted through digital platforms.

Etisalat UAE has commercially launched 2×2 uplink multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) with carrier aggregation for smartphones, claiming a global first as telecom operators respond to growing demand for faster data uploads.

The technology, available on compatible smartphones using the operator’s 5.5G network, enables upload speeds of up to three times those achievable without the capability, according to the company.

Technology targets growing upload demand

The system combines two data streams with carrier aggregation, which brings together capacity across different frequency bands. The approach allows compatible devices to transmit more data simultaneously, potentially improving the speed of uploading high-resolution photos, videos and large files, a WAM report said.

The upgrade comes as smartphone use increasingly extends beyond downloading content to creating, sharing and processing data through cloud-based and artificial intelligence applications.

Read more: Remember Etisalat? The name is back as e& marks 50 years

Marwan Bin Shakar, CTO at Etisalat UAE, said: “Mobile experiences are changing. Smartphones are no longer primarily consuming content; they are creating, sharing and increasingly sending richer data to AI and cloud applications in real time. That changes what we need from the network. By bringing this capability to smartphones for the first time globally, we are increasing upload capacity where it matters and ensuring our 5.5G network is ready for how customers will use their devices next.”

AI applications add pressure on networks

AI-powered tools that interpret images, analyse documents or respond to camera input often require users to upload content for cloud-based processing. Faster uplink speeds could reduce the time needed to transmit that information, making some interactions more responsive.

Traditionally, mobile network upgrades have prioritised downlink capacity, which determines how quickly devices receive data. However, growing volumes of user-generated content are increasing the importance of uplink performance, particularly for applications that rely on sending large files or real-time information.

Etisalat UAE’s new capability is designed to address that shift by combining uplink MIMO with carrier aggregation to increase the amount of data smartphones can send over the network.

Network investment focuses on 5.5G

The launch forms part of the operator’s investment in its 5.5G network as smartphones and digital services become more data-intensive.

The potential benefits will depend on device compatibility and network conditions. The company has said the feature is available exclusively on its 5.5G network, meaning users will need compatible smartphones and access to the relevant network to benefit from the technology.

Further details on the rollout and the range of supported devices were not provided in the announcement.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered with global logistics company DHL to strengthen the export capabilities of local manufacturers and support their expansion into international markets.

The initiative, delivered through DET’s Export Assistance Programme (EAP), brought together more than 50 manufacturers for a workshop led by DHL specialists.

The session focused on global logistics, supply chain planning and international connectivity, providing businesses with practical guidance on navigating export challenges and entering new markets.

The workshop follows a strategic partnership announced between DET and DHL during Make it in the Emirates 2026 in May.

Under the agreement, eligible EAP members can access preferential shipping rates, customised logistics solutions and end-to-end supply chain support, aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of exporting from Dubai.

Dubai manufacturers offered logistics and export support

The collaboration is designed to help Dubai-based manufacturers improve supply chain efficiency, manage international shipping requirements and strengthen their competitiveness in overseas markets.

Mohamed Al Marzooqi, acting associate vice president, Manufacturing & Exports Development at the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET, said: “Dubai’s manufacturers are well-positioned to compete globally, and our focus is on translating strategic partnerships into practical support that helps them realise this potential. By bringing DHL’s expertise directly to Export Assistance Programme members, this workshop enables businesses to make more informed logistics decisions and approach international expansion with increased confidence. It reflects our commitment to equipping Dubai-based manufacturers with the capabilities and connections they need to scale internationally and contribute to the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.”

Mahmoud Haj Hussein, managing director, DHL Express UAE, said: “Dubai’s manufacturers have strong potential to grow beyond the UAE. Through our partnership with DET, we are combining DHL Express’ global network and cross-border expertise with practical support to help businesses simplify international trade, reach new customers and expand confidently into global markets.”
Supporting Dubai’s D33 manufacturing ambitions

The initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which includes a target to more than double manufacturing value-added output in the decade to 2033.

DET said Dubai’s manufacturing sector continues to benefit from advanced infrastructure, production capabilities and the UAE’s expanding network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), which provide opportunities for businesses to access international markets.

Viktoria Lebedeva, head of sales & marketing, DHL Global Forwarding UAE, highlighted the importance of managing logistics costs and delivery times as manufacturers expand overseas.

“Dubai manufacturers have significant opportunities to expand into global markets, but international growth requires more than access to transportation. Rising landed costs and longer lead times are putting pressure on their margins, and the answer is rarely one mode of transport. By combining air, ocean and road freight around each company’s cost and speed priorities, and by pairing our global network with local expertise, we help manufacturers build supply chains that carry their long-term international ambitions. Our partnership with DET brings that thinking directly to Dubai’s manufacturing community.”

Through the Export Assistance Programme, DET provides manufacturers and exporters with access to services including logistics support, export finance and credit protection.

The programme aims to help businesses manage export-related risks, improve competitiveness and identify opportunities in new and high-potential international markets.
The DET-DHL partnership forms part of Dubai’s broader efforts to strengthen its position as a global manufacturing and trade hub while supporting local businesses seeking to expand beyond the UAE.

Saudi Arabia has urged residents and visitors to follow official emergency instructions, avoid sharing unauthorised footage of security incidents and remain alert, as the US warned of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions across the kingdom.

The advisories highlight the importance of following instructions from authorities, monitoring official information channels and taking precautions during potential aerial threats.

Saudi Media Minister Salman Al Dossary urged the public to rely on official sources and refrain from circulating images, videos or information about security and military operations obtained from unknown or unreliable sources.

“Accurate information is part of safeguarding security,” he said at a government press conference on Monday, October 12, following reported Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s airport, according to an Arab News report.

Al Dossary said Saudi Arabia was prepared to defend its territory and protect citizens and residents against threats. He also said that “life in the kingdom is continuing as normal”.

Read more: Saudi attacks: UK flags insurance risks for Britons in updated travel warning

“Heightened readiness does not mean there is cause for anxiety; rather, it reflects the state’s preparedness for different scenarios, regardless of how likely they are to occur,” he added.

Public warned against sharing missile and drone footage

Saudi authorities have separately warned that filming, publishing or sharing information about efforts to intercept missiles and drones, or their impact sites, could expose individuals to legal liability.

The Saudi Civil Defence reiterated the warning in an official notice, underscoring restrictions on publishing material related to security operations.

The National Early Warning Platform has also issued guidance on how people should respond when they receive emergency alerts. Residents are advised to remain calm, follow official instructions and immediately seek shelter inside a building or an interior room away from windows.

People should remain indoors until the danger has passed, avoid balconies, rooftops and open areas, and stay away from glass. Those outdoors should enter the nearest building or take shelter behind a solid barrier.

Motorists who receive an alert while driving should pull over safely, away from bridges and high-rise buildings. Authorities also advise the public to avoid crowds and dangerous areas and refrain from taking photographs of incidents.

For emergencies, residents can call 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 998 in other parts of the kingdom. Official information is available through 998.gov.sa and Saudi Civil Defence’s social media account, SaudiDCD.

US warns of airport restrictions and travel disruption

In a security alert dated October 12, the US Mission to Saudi Arabia warned American citizens about possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruption. It advised travellers to verify departure information directly with their airlines and airports and exercise extreme caution when using airports in the Kingdom.

US government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorisation to use any airport in the country. They are also prohibited from travelling within 20 miles of the Yemen border and need special authorisation to visit Jizan, Asir, Najran, Qatif, Yanbu and Taif.

The mission said private cars, trains and buses could offer alternatives to air travel, although travellers should confirm schedules and availability with providers.

Saudi Arabia Railways

SAT Transportation

SAPTCO

The advisory also cautioned that American citizens had been detained for photographing recent events, reminding visitors and residents that local laws apply throughout their stay.

Travellers urged to monitor official updates

The US Mission advised citizens to review the State Department’s travel advisories for Saudi Arabia and Yemen, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and monitor local media and official announcements.

In the event of an aerial attack, people should stay away from windows, glass doors and fallen debris, keep their phones charged and follow instructions from local authorities. The mission also recommended avoiding demonstrations, large gatherings and areas with a heavy police presence.

Regular and emergency consular services remain available to US citizens, according to the alert.

The mission urged travellers whose flights are affected to contact their airlines directly for changes and updates.