Etihad Airways has cancelled multiple flights between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia through 18-19 October 2026, with Air Arabia also reporting disruptions on Saudi routes from UAE airports. The cancellations affect travellers flying between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah.
Routes and Dates Affected
According to Gulf News live updates from 14 October, the confirmed Etihad cancellations are:
- Abu Dhabi–Dammam and return: All flights suspended through Sunday, 18 October
- Abu Dhabi–Riyadh (EY601/EY602): Cancelled from 12 through 18 October
- Abu Dhabi–Jeddah: Services cancelled through Monday, 19 October for some flight numbers
Air Arabia has separately reported cancellations on its UAE–Saudi routes, including flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha, and Taif. Bahrain, Kuwait, and Doha services are also affected.
Delays have also been reported on some Etihad long-haul arrivals at Zayed International Airport, including Moscow and Seoul services.
If Your Flight Is Cancelled
Contact Etihad or Air Arabia directly for rebooking options. Passengers flying from an EU airport on an EU-licensed carrier may be entitled to rerouting, a refund, or compensation under EC Regulation 261/2004.
Check your travel insurance policy if you hold bookings for onward connections or accommodation in Saudi Arabia - disruption-related costs are typically claimable. Our UAE travel insurance guide covers the key policy types.
For live departure information at Abu Dhabi, see our Zayed International Airport guide.
Context
This disruption comes during an otherwise improving period for UAE aviation. Several European carriers including Lufthansa and Wizz Air have recently restored Dubai services, and Emirates has rebuilt most of its pre-disruption network. The Saudi-specific cancellations are separate from those broader resumptions, and at this stage affect UAE–Saudi corridor routes rather than intercontinental services through Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
The cause of the Saudi disruptions has not been officially stated. Not all cancellations are tied to the regional security situation - operational and technical factors can also affect schedules.
We recommend checking directly with your carrier before travelling to or through Saudi Arabia. For the latest UK and US government guidance on travel to the UAE region, see our UAE safety guide. For an overview of which international airlines are currently operating to Dubai, see our flights to Dubai guide.