The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi issued a security alert on 19 September 2026, following a Houthi ballistic missile attack targeting Riyadh that sent Gulf-wide disruption through major air traffic corridors, including Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH).
Etihad Airways cancelled at least one Dubai–Abu Dhabi–Delhi service as a direct consequence of the disruption. The Embassy advised US citizens in the UAE to stay alert, monitor local media, and check flight status with their airlines before travelling to either airport.
What happened
Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile at Riyadh on 19 September. Saudi air defences intercepted it, but the alert and associated airspace management caused network-wide delays across Gulf carriers. The effect was felt as far as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where departure boards showed multiple delayed and cancelled services throughout the afternoon.
EASA’s Gulf airspace warning, in effect since early September and extended through 30 September, remained active.
Practical steps if you’re flying from the UAE
- Contact your airline directly - Etihad, Emirates, and flydubai all operate services across affected corridors.
- Check-in online where possible to reduce time at the airport if delays or rebooking queues persist on 20 September.
- Build buffer time for onward connections through Gulf hubs, as network knock-on effects can persist into the following day.
What it means for UAE travel broadly
The UAE itself has not issued any change to its entry or visa rules. The disruption is operational rather than regulatory. Travelers already in the UAE, or planning to arrive from outside the region, are not affected by any advisory - but onward connections through Gulf airports should be confirmed.
For traveller safety context, see our UAE safety guide. For arrival information at Abu Dhabi’s terminal, see our Zayed International Airport guide. If you need to rebook or compare alternatives, search available flights to the UAE.