Friday 6 November 2026 brings fresh changes for travellers flying between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. flydubai has cancelled its flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha until 9 November, while Etihad Airways is set to resume flights between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah on the same day. The two announcements landed within a day of each other, and they pull in opposite directions. One airline is extending a suspension, and the other is restarting a route. For passengers with travel plans to the Kingdom, the picture now depends on the airline, the city and the date. This guide sets out the full route status, the timeline of changes and the practical steps to take next.
All of the facts in this article come from reports published on 4 and 5 November 2026 by Gulf Today and ARN News Centre. The background on the regional disruption comes from ARN, and this article presents it as reported by that outlet. No flight times, prices or rebooking terms appear in this guide, because the sources did not publish them. Where a detail has not been announced, this article says so plainly. Travellers should check the official website or app of their airline for the latest status before heading to the airport.
What has changed for flydubai and Etihad flights to Saudi Arabia?
The short version is that flydubai has pushed its suspension further, while Etihad is bringing one route back. flydubai has cancelled flights to three Saudi cities until 9 November. Etihad is resuming four flights between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah on Friday 6 November. At the same time, Etihad has extended its own cancellations to Riyadh and Dammam until 19 November. The two airlines are moving on different dates, so passengers need to check each airline separately. A booking with one carrier tells you nothing about the other.
The changes affect travel in both directions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. flydubai flies from Dubai, and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi. Both airlines serve several Saudi cities in normal times. Right now, the list of cities you can reach, and the list of cities you cannot, has changed again. This guide works through each airline in turn, then covers the background, the timeline and the steps passengers can take.
Which flydubai routes to Saudi Arabia are suspended?
flydubai has cancelled its flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha. The suspension covers all three cities, and it applies in both directions. Gulf Today reported the move on 5 November 2026, and ARN News Centre reported the same extension a day earlier, on 4 November. Both reports agree on the three cities and on the end date. No other flydubai Saudi route falls under this suspension. The airline has been clear about which cities are affected, and the list has stayed the same through the latest extension.
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia, and Dammam is a major city in the Eastern Province. Abha sits in the south-west of the Kingdom, in the Asir region. All three are busy routes for business travel, family visits and onward connections. The suspension will hit passengers who booked directly, and also those who planned to connect through Dubai. If your ticket covers one of these three cities, your flight will not operate while the suspension stays in place. For the wider picture across the UAE, our latest UAE flight updates page tracks the changes as they are announced.
How long will the flydubai suspension last?
The flydubai suspension runs until 9 November 2026. ARN News Centre reported that the airline extended cancellations of all flights to Abha, Dammam and Riyadh up to and including 9 November. Gulf Today reported the same date on 5 November. The wording matters for passengers, because flights on 9 November fall inside the suspension. The airline has not said what will happen after that date. For now, 9 November is the date to plan around, and anything beyond it still needs confirmation.
Passengers with flights on 10 November or later should still check before they travel. The airline has already extended the suspension more than once, so a further extension is possible. At the same time, the airline could also restart flights on schedule. No one outside the airline can say which way it will go. The safest move is to keep checking the flight status in the days before departure, and to keep your contact details up to date so the airline can reach you.
What is the current status of every affected route?
The table below brings every route together in one place. It covers flydubai services from Dubai and Etihad services from Abu Dhabi. The status column shows whether a route is operating, suspended or resuming. The final column gives the date that applies, based on the announcements from 4 and 5 November. Use it as a quick check, then read the sections that follow for the detail behind each row.
| Airline | Route | Status | Until when |
|---|---|---|---|
| flydubai | Dubai to Riyadh | Suspended | 9 November 2026 |
| flydubai | Dubai to Dammam | Suspended | 9 November 2026 |
| flydubai | Dubai to Abha | Suspended | 9 November 2026 |
| flydubai | Dubai to Jeddah | Operating | Not suspended |
| flydubai | Dubai to Medina | Operating | Not suspended |
| flydubai | Dubai to Taif | Operating | Not suspended |
| flydubai | Dubai to Tabuk | Operating | Not suspended |
| flydubai | Dubai to Al-Qassim | Operating | Not suspended |
| flydubai | Dubai to Ha’il | Operating | Not suspended |
| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi to Jeddah | Resuming 6 November 2026 | Four flights on 6 November, then normal service |
| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi to Riyadh | Suspended | 19 November 2026 |
| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi to Dammam | Suspended | 19 November 2026 |
Two points stand out from the table. First, flydubai still flies to six Saudi cities, so the suspension is narrow, not total. Second, the Etihad suspension to Riyadh and Dammam runs ten days longer than the flydubai suspension to the same cities. Passengers should match their own booking to the right row, because the dates differ by airline. A flydubai ticket and an Etihad ticket to Riyadh do not share the same end date.
Which Saudi cities can you still fly to with flydubai?
flydubai still operates flights to six Saudi cities. ARN News Centre reported that operations continue to Jeddah, Medina, Taif, Tabuk, Al-Qassim and Ha’il. The airline has not suspended these routes, and they sit outside the latest extension. Passengers booked to any of these six cities should still check their flight status, because the airline has warned that some scheduled flights to the Kingdom may change. For now, though, these routes remain open.
Jeddah is the main gateway for many travellers, and Medina draws large numbers of religious visitors. Taif, Tabuk, Al-Qassim and Ha’il serve regional travel, family visits and business trips. The fact that six routes stay open gives affected passengers a real alternative in some cases. Still, a flight to a different city is not the same as a flight to your planned destination. Passengers should weigh the extra ground travel before they rebook to another Saudi airport.
A change of arrival city can also affect hotel bookings, car hire and meeting plans. Passengers should check whether their hotel allows a date change, and whether their car hire can move to a new airport. Business travellers should tell their hosts in Saudi Arabia about the new arrival city as soon as they rebook. The extra road journey may also mean an earlier departure from home, so plan the full day, not just the flight.
What did flydubai say about the changes?
flydubai linked the cancellations to the current situation in the region. Gulf Today reported on 5 November that the airline had cancelled its flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha until 9 November in light of the current situation. The airline also said it anticipates some changes to its scheduled flights to the Kingdom. That line matters, because it signals that more adjustments could follow, even on routes that still operate today.
A spokesperson for the airline said the carrier would continue to monitor the situation closely. The spokesperson also said the airline would provide customers with the latest updates on any adjustments through its official channels. flydubai advised customers to check the status of their flights on a regular basis, and to make sure their contact information is up to date. Those two steps are the core of the airline message: check often, and stay reachable.
The airline has used the same channels for past updates, and passengers who follow them get the news first. The official website carries the flight status tool, while the app can send alerts straight to your phone. Social media accounts may also carry updates, but the website and the app remain the official sources. Passengers should treat any message from an unofficial source with care, and they should always confirm it on the official channels before they act.
When will Etihad resume flights to Jeddah?
Etihad Airways is set to resume flights between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah on Friday 6 November 2026. ARN News Centre reported the resumption on 4 November, based on a statement on the airline website. The airline said four flights have been scheduled for Friday, with all flights to operate normally after that. The date is firm in the announcement, and the resumption covers both directions between the two cities.
The Jeddah restart stands out against the wider picture of cancellations. While flydubai extends its suspension and Etihad keeps Riyadh and Dammam closed, Jeddah comes back first. That split shows how route decisions now vary city by city, rather than applying to a whole country at once. Passengers heading to Jeddah can plan around 6 November, while passengers heading to Riyadh or Dammam face a longer wait.
The Friday restart also gives Abu Dhabi passengers a direct link to the west coast of Saudi Arabia again. Jeddah serves as a gateway to Makkah, and it also serves business travel to the Red Sea coast. The return of the route will help passengers who waited through the suspension, and it will ease pressure on the routes that stayed open. Still, demand may run high on the first flights, so book early and check the status often.
Which Etihad flights are resuming on Friday 6 November?
Four Etihad flights resume on Friday 6 November 2026. The airline named all four in its statement, and ARN News Centre reported the flight numbers. EY601 flies from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah, and EY602 flies from Jeddah back to Abu Dhabi. EY603 flies from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah, and EY604 flies from Jeddah back to Abu Dhabi. The two pairs give passengers a morning and a later option in each direction, though the sources did not publish departure or arrival times.
After Friday, the airline said all flights would operate normally. That wording covers the Abu Dhabi to Jeddah route, and it does not cover Riyadh or Dammam. Passengers should still check the status of their own flight, because a normal schedule can still see last-minute changes in a disrupted period. The flight numbers are the key detail to match against your booking, so keep EY601, EY602, EY603 and EY604 in mind when you check.
Which Etihad routes to Saudi Arabia are still suspended?
Etihad has extended its flight cancellations to Riyadh and Dammam. ARN News Centre reported the extension on 4 November 2026, and it applies to services between Abu Dhabi and both cities. The airline has not resumed either route, and no flights to Riyadh or Dammam will operate while the extension stays in place. Jeddah is the only Saudi route that Etihad is bringing back in this round of announcements.
Riyadh and Dammam are two of the busiest Saudi destinations from Abu Dhabi. Riyadh draws government and business travel, while Dammam serves the Eastern Province and its energy industry. The suspension will affect passengers who live in Abu Dhabi and work in the Eastern Province, as well as families split between the two countries. Those passengers now face a wait of nearly two more weeks, based on the date the airline has given.
The longer wait also affects passengers who booked connecting flights through Abu Dhabi. A traveller flying into Abu Dhabi from another country, then on to Riyadh, will find the second leg missing. Such passengers should contact Etihad about the full journey, not just the Abu Dhabi to Riyadh leg. The airline can advise on the options for the whole booking, and it can confirm whether the first leg still operates as planned.
How long will the Etihad suspension to Riyadh and Dammam last?
The Etihad suspension to Riyadh and Dammam runs until 19 November 2026. ARN News Centre reported that the airline extended the cancellations until that date, citing the ongoing regional disruption. The date is ten days later than the flydubai end date of 9 November for the same two cities. Passengers should note the gap, because the airline you booked with decides when you can fly again.
As with flydubai, the end date is the current position, not a promise. The airline could extend again, or it could restart flights earlier if the situation changes. No further detail has been published about what would trigger a change. Passengers with bookings after 19 November should still check their flight status as the date draws near, and they should keep their contact details current so the airline can send updates.
The ten-day gap between the two airlines is worth noting for anyone who can choose between them. A flydubai passenger to Riyadh may fly again from 10 November, while an Etihad passenger to the same city waits until 20 November at the earliest. That difference may shape which airline you book next, though prices and schedules will also play a part. For now, the dates stand as published, and both airlines will update them if the situation changes.
Why are flights to Saudi Arabia disrupted?
The disruptions follow continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. ARN News Centre reported that background, including a recent drone intercepted by the Saudi-led coalition as it headed toward the southern region of the Kingdom. This article presents that background as reported by ARN, and it does not add any detail of its own. The report does not give a full list of incidents, and this guide does not try to fill that gap.
The airlines have not linked each cancellation to a single incident. Instead, they describe a current situation that they keep under review. flydubai said it would continue to monitor the situation closely, while Etihad pointed to the ongoing regional disruption. Both phrases point to a changing picture rather than a one-off event. That is why the dates differ by airline and by city, and why further changes remain possible.
Airlines take such decisions after talks with aviation authorities and after a review of the safety picture. A route can close quickly when the risk picture changes, and it can reopen just as fast when the picture improves. Passengers rarely see the detail behind these calls, and the airlines rarely publish it. What passengers do see is the result: a cancelled flight, a new date and a request to keep checking. That is why this guide sticks to the published announcements and the dates the airlines have given.
What happened before this latest extension?
This is not the first extension of the suspension. flydubai had already extended the suspension of flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha until 1 November, in an announcement reported on 29 October 2026 by Gulf Today. The latest move pushes the same three cities out to 9 November. The pattern is now clear: the airline has reviewed the situation, extended the suspension, and then extended it again.
The timeline below sets out each step in order. It starts with the earlier extension at the end of October, then moves through the reports of 4 and 5 November, and ends with the two end dates now in force. Reading the dates in sequence helps passengers see how fast the picture has moved, and why the airlines keep asking customers to check for updates.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 29 October 2026 | flydubai extends suspension of flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha until 1 November |
| 4 November 2026 | ARN News Centre reports flydubai extension until 9 November and Etihad Jeddah resumption from 6 November |
| 5 November 2026 | Gulf Today reports flydubai cancellation of flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha until 9 November |
| 6 November 2026 | Etihad resumes four Abu Dhabi to Jeddah flights, EY601, EY602, EY603 and EY604 |
| 9 November 2026 | Current end date of the flydubai suspension to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha |
| 19 November 2026 | Current end date of the Etihad suspension to Riyadh and Dammam |
The timeline also shows how close together the two reports landed. ARN published on 4 November, and Gulf Today followed on 5 November with the same flydubai date. The two outlets agree, which gives passengers a solid basis for planning. Still, the dates in the final two rows are current end dates, not guarantees. If the situation changes, the airlines can move them again.
How can you check the status of your flight?
The fastest way to check is through the official website or app of your airline. Both flydubai and Etihad publish flight status tools there, and flydubai has told customers to check on a regular basis. Start with your booking reference and your flight number, then look for the status of your exact date. A general news report cannot replace a live status check, because schedules can change after publication.
Keep your contact details up to date in your booking as well. flydubai has asked customers to make sure their contact information is current, so the airline can send updates about adjustments. A phone number or email address that is out of date can leave you without news of a change. Check the details in your booking now, and fix anything that has changed since you booked. Weather can also affect flights, so yesterday’s UAE weather update is worth a look before you travel, and the Dubai Nol-Jaywan card guide explains the payment card for the metro or bus trip to the airport.
What should you do if your flight is cancelled?
Start by confirming the cancellation on the official website or app of your airline. Do not rely on a message from a third party, and do not head to the airport until you have checked. Once you know your flight will not operate, contact the airline through its official channels. The airline is the only source that can confirm what happens to your booking, and its staff can talk through the options that apply to your ticket.
Keep your booking reference and your travel documents close at hand when you contact the airline. Note down the name of the person you speak to, the time of the call and the reference number for the case. If you booked through a travel agent, contact the agent as well, because the agent may hold the ticket and may need to act on your behalf. Act early, because other passengers on the same cancelled flights will contact the airline at the same time.
Are rebooking and refund terms available?
No specific rebooking or refund terms were announced in the sources for this article. Neither Gulf Today nor ARN News Centre reported any detail on rebooking, refunds, vouchers or fee waivers for the cancelled flights. This article states that plainly, because passengers should not assume terms that no one has announced. The absence of published terms does not mean that no help is available, but it does mean that this guide cannot describe any.
The only safe step is to contact the airline through its official channels and ask what applies to your booking. Terms can vary by fare type, by booking channel and by the date of travel. A flexible ticket may carry different options from a promotional fare, and a booking made through an agent may follow a different process. Ask the airline directly, and get the answer in writing where you can. Do not take rebooking or refund advice from unofficial sources.
What are your options if you need to reach Saudi Arabia?
The first option is to check whether your airline still flies to another Saudi city. flydubai still operates to Jeddah, Medina, Taif, Tabuk, Al-Qassim and Ha’il, and Etihad resumes Jeddah on 6 November. A flight to a different city, followed by ground travel inside Saudi Arabia, may work for some passengers. Still, the extra journey can add hours, so weigh the total travel time and the cost before you rebook.
A second option is to wait for the suspension to end and to travel on your original route. That suits passengers with flexible dates, and it avoids the cost and hassle of a new booking. A third option is to change your plans and travel elsewhere instead. If you choose that route, the Canada visa from Dubai guide covers one long-haul alternative for UAE residents. Whatever you choose, confirm the new booking before you cancel the old one, and keep an eye on the dates, because the suspension dates can move.
How does this affect travel from Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi face different effects, because the two airlines fly from different airports. flydubai operates from Dubai, so its suspension hits passengers who planned to leave from Dubai International. Etihad operates from Abu Dhabi, so its Jeddah resumption and its Riyadh and Dammam suspension hit passengers who planned to leave from Zayed International. A passenger in Dubai cannot simply switch to an Etihad flight without travelling to Abu Dhabi first, and the same applies in reverse.
Ground travel inside the UAE still runs as normal, and passengers can move between the emirates by road or rail. If you are staying in the UAE and moving between the emirates, the Etihad Rail passenger trains guide sets out the rail option between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. If you drive to the airport instead, November 2026 petrol and diesel prices will help you work out the fuel cost. Plan the extra time, because a change of airport adds a road or rail journey to your day.
What should families and Umrah travellers know?
Families travelling together should check every booking in the party, not just the lead passenger. A cancellation can affect one booking and leave another untouched, especially when family members booked on different dates or with different airlines. Check each ticket separately, and make sure the contact details on each booking are current. Children, older relatives and anyone with limited mobility need extra time at the airport, so build that into your plans.
Medina and Jeddah both still have flydubai services, and Jeddah is the usual gateway for Umrah travellers heading to Makkah. That gives religious travellers a route that stays open, though they should still check their flight status before departure. If you are planning a trip around a break from work or school, the next public holiday in the UAE page lists the dates ahead. Book flexible options where you can, and keep your documents ready in case your dates have to move.
Group bookings need the same care as family bookings. A group leader should check every ticket in the group, because one cancelled flight can split a group across different dates. Hotels in Makkah and Medina may also need notice of a date change, so contact them as soon as your flights move. Travel insurance may cover some costs, so check your policy and keep every receipt. A little paperwork now can save a dispute later.
How are the airlines keeping passengers updated?
Both airlines have pointed passengers to their official channels. flydubai said it would provide customers with the latest updates on any adjustments through its official channels, and a spokesperson said the carrier would continue to monitor the situation closely. Etihad published its Jeddah resumption in a statement on its website, which is where ARN News Centre picked it up. The official website and app of each airline remain the first place to look.
News outlets will keep reporting changes as they are announced, and this guide will date each update clearly. Still, a news article is a snapshot, and flight schedules can move after it is published. The most reliable habit is a quick status check on the day before travel, and another check on the day itself. That takes a few minutes, and it can save a wasted trip to the airport. Keep your booking reference handy, and check the exact flight number on your ticket.
Frequently asked questions about the Saudi flight changes?
Will my flydubai flight to Riyadh operate on 8 November?
No, it will not operate on that date. flydubai has cancelled its flights to Riyadh until 9 November, and the suspension covers 9 November as well. The airline announced the extension on 4 and 5 November, and both reports agree on the date. You should contact the airline through its official channels to discuss your booking. Do not travel to the airport for a flight on 8 November without checking the live status first.
Can I still fly to Jeddah with flydubai?
Yes, flydubai still operates flights to Jeddah. ARN News Centre reported that operations continue to Jeddah, Medina, Taif, Tabuk, Al-Qassim and Ha’il. Jeddah is not part of the suspension, which covers Riyadh, Dammam and Abha only. Still, the airline has warned that some scheduled flights to the Kingdom may change, so check the status of your exact flight before you travel. Keep your contact details up to date so the airline can reach you with updates.
Which Etihad flights to Jeddah resume on 6 November?
Four flights resume on Friday 6 November 2026. EY601 flies from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah, and EY602 flies from Jeddah back to Abu Dhabi. EY603 flies from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah, and EY604 flies from Jeddah back to Abu Dhabi. The airline said all flights would operate normally after that. The sources did not publish departure or arrival times, so check the live status for the times on your booking.
Will Etihad fly to Riyadh or Dammam in November?
Not before 19 November, based on the current announcement. Etihad has extended its flight cancellations to Riyadh and Dammam until 19 November 2026, citing the ongoing regional disruption. The airline has not published any earlier restart date for either city. Passengers with bookings after 19 November should still check their flight status as the date draws near, because the airline can extend the suspension again.
What should I do before travelling to the airport?
Check the status of your flight on the official website or app of your airline, and check it again on the day of travel. Make sure the contact details on your booking are current, so the airline can send you updates. Keep your booking reference and travel documents ready. If your flight is cancelled, contact the airline through its official channels before you head to the airport. A quick check at home can save a wasted journey.
Are rebooking or refund terms available yet?
No specific terms were announced in the sources for this article. Neither Gulf Today nor ARN News Centre reported any detail on rebooking, refunds, vouchers or fee waivers for the cancelled flights. This guide cannot describe terms that no one has published. Contact the airline through its official channels and ask what applies to your booking, because terms can vary by fare type and booking channel. Ask for the answer in writing where you can.
Where can I find the latest updates?
The official website and app of your airline are the first place to look. flydubai said it would share the latest updates on any adjustments through its official channels, and Etihad published its Jeddah resumption in a statement on its website. News outlets such as Gulf Today and ARN News Centre will also report changes as they are announced. Check the live flight status on the day before travel and again on the day itself, and keep your booking reference handy.
