Flight disruptions continue across the Middle East as airlines adjust schedules in response to ongoing security concerns in Saudi Arabia. Amid regional tensions, several airlines have extended their route cancellations into November and beyond.
Since early October, Saudi Arabia has faced a spate of attacks on its airports and infrastructure. Riyadh was the worst affected, with its airport hit four times, leading to over 300 people injured and a death toll reaching 17. This has led US embassies across the region to issue security alerts for Americans. It warned citizens to “be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions”, and advised them to “exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment”.
After weeks of disruption, regional airlines including Emirates and Etihad Airways continue to cancel flights to several destinations in the Kingdom this week. International carrier Singapore Airlines has again extended its route suspension of flights to Dubai, and does not plan to fly until 28 February, 2027.
The UK has updated its advice to warn citizens against all but essential travel to all of Saudi Arabia, and against all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen. Its latest guidance also advises British nationals to stay away from King Khalid International Airport, warning that it remains a target and is at risk of further attacks.
With the epicentre of the war shifting between Saudi Arabia and the Strait of Hormuz, convergence between the US and Iran remains elusive, with many waiting with bated breath to see what the outcome of the midterm elections will mean for the conflict. US President Donald Trump has said he wants to give Tehran more time to engage in diplomacy before considering another round of action, stating that the war will end “very soon, one way or the other”.
Meanwhile, the European Union A continues to maintain a series of conflict-zone advisories covering Saudi Arabia, Iran, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, with the principal advisories currently valid until Monday, 16 November. The US has imposed sanctions on Iran’s civilian air fleet, leading the UAE’s General Civil Arlines
The intermittent missile strikes on Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis are affecting regional airspace. There have been no attacks on other GCC countries since September, when Kuwait and Bahrain both intercepted several drones. The UK has meanwhile announced that RAF Typhoon fighter jets will fly defensive missions to help protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure from missile and drone attacks.
As a result of the fluctuating situation, those travelling from, to, or through the region should remain prepared for possible flight disruptions. Here’s what travellers with flights booked across the Middle East need to know right now.
This article was updated with the latest information onMonday, 2 November 2026
Which airlines are operating in the Middle East?
Emirates:Emirates is now flying to 140 destinations across 72 countries worldwide, representing 98 per cent of its previous global network. More than 1,300 flights operate each week, roughly 93 per cent of its pre-war capacity. The airline reinstated its route to Jeddah on 30 October, while its flights to Riyadh and Dammam are scheduled to resume on 8 November. Passengers are advised to check their flight status “even after you have checked in”, as the situation remains fluid, particularly for those heading to the Kingdom. For peace of mind, all Emirates customers with booked flights can now change their ticket dates as many times as needed, free of charge. The airline is also offering comprehensive travel insurance to international passengers, including coverage for conflict-related expenses, a free 30-day trip extension, airline-managed hotel stays, and support during disruptions.
Etihad Airways:Etihad is operating to more than 90 destinations, with additional destinations set to be added as “conditions permit”. The carrier has cancelled Riyadh and Dammam services through 5 November, with some departures on 6 November also affected. Daytime Jeddah services continue to operate, while specified night-time flights remain cancelled through 5 or 6 November, depending on the service. All passengers with tickets are advised to ensure that their contact details are up to date. Passengers with any affected bookings will be accommodated on the earliest available flight. Those with Etihad flight tickets issued on or after 6 March 2026 for travel scheduled up to 31 March 2027, may change their booking once without a rebooking fee. All international travellers arriving in the capital on the state carrier will receive complimentary medical travel insurance for up to 15 days, giving passengers “one less thing to think about” during times of uncertainty.
Qatar Airways:Qatar Airways is flying to the UAE, with multiple daily flights to Dubai. Flights to and from Abha, Dammam, Riyadh and Taif remain temporarily suspended, with no resumption date specified in the airline’s currently published advisory. The airline has also reduced its Jeddah schedule from seven daily flights to four, and warns that schedules remain subject to change. In an update, the airline said it is now operating to more than 160 destinations, which is 85 per cent of its pre-war network. Its expanded network includes Cairo, Casablanca, Miami, New York, Toronto, Frankfurt, Madrid, London, Bangkok, Beijing and Mumbai. For the full list of routes, visit the Qatar Airways website. Passengers with confirmed travel dates are eligible for a complimentary date change up to 31 October 2026.
Flydubai: Flydubai is “currently operating flights across its network with a reduced schedule”. Flights are running as scheduled, but the airline advises that “flight durations and transit times in Dubai” may be longer due to rerouted flight paths. The airline has cancelled flights to Abha, Dammam and Riyadh up to and including 3 November and suspended all flights to Tel Aviv following a terror incident in September. Passengers are advised to check their flight status, as schedules may change at short notice. Find the full list of destinations here.
Gulf Air:Gulf Air’s global flight network has been restored to 75 per cent of its pre-war capacity. The Bahraini carrier currently operates flights to more than 50 destinations worldwide. Gulf Air have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia and passengers are advised to continue checking their flight status before travelling.
Air Arabia: Air Arabia is operating scheduled flights between Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and several international destinations, including Vienna, Athens, Cairo, Kathmandu, Muscat, Islamabad, Jeddah and Bangkok. Its flights to Riyadh, Abha and Kuwait are facing cancellations and delays this week. You can view and book the airline’s full list of ongoing routes on the Air Arabia website. Passengers whose flights were previously cancelled may also rebook if they have not yet used their modification or refund option.
Air France: Air France has resumed flights to Tel Aviv after a six-month suspension. It will not reinstate its Dubai flights until 8 November, while its Beirut service resumed on 26 September. Its Riyadh suspension has reportedly been extended through 14 November; passengers should confirm the latest dates directly with the airline.
Air India: Air India has cancelled its flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until 14 November. As tensions continue, the airline says: “Travel to and from the Middle East may be affected due to airspace closures in the region. Before you travel, please check the latest updates here”.
IndiGo: According to its website, Indian carrier IndiGo is “operating select flights to/from the Middle East”. The airline has cancelled flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until 14 November 2026, citing ongoing airspace restrictions. Affected passengers are being contacted directly.
Iraqi Airways: Iraqi Airways is running domestic and international flights, with international routes including Cairo, Istanbul and Amman, and domestic routes to Basra, Sulaymaniyah and Erbil.
Aegean Airlines: Greece’s Aegean Airlines has resumed many of its flights to the region after pausing operations during the early stages of the war. Its route to Beirut was reinstated on 12 May, Amman started on 21 May and Dubai started on 23 October. However, flights to Riyadh remain cancelled until 14 November.
Kuwait Airways:Kuwait Airways is running a broad schedule, although it has had to cancel flights at short notice and make changes to schedules. The airline has temporarily cancelled flights to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The airline advises passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport – advising that any changes to booked flights will be shared with passengers
Jazeera Airways: Jazeera Airways is currently flying to select destinations, including Delhi, Beirut, Mumbai, Damascus, Kochi, Istanbul, Amman, Dubai and Cairo. However, it warns passengers that some flights could be disrupted, especially those to the Kingdom. Passengers are urged to check the status of their flight before travelling.
Flynas: Saudi Arabia’s budget airline Flynas is currently operating daily flights to Dubai, Doha and Bahrain, along with several international destinations, including Germany, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Heavy delays and multiple cancellations are to be expected due to attacks on the kingdom’s airports.
Oman Air: Oman’s state-owned flag carrier has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until 7 November. It also states “technical issues” and “airspace restrictions” are affecting some routes, meaning that customers can anticipate delays and cancellations.
Philippine Airlines: Philippine Airlines resumed flights between Manila and Dubai on 2 October. However, the carrier has suspended flights between Manila and Riyadh until 29 November, citing the security situation at King Khalid International Airport.
Turkish Airlines: Turkish Airlines has now resumed its pre-war schedule of flights between Dubai and Istanbul, one of the airline’s key routes. Its four daily flights between the two cities started again on 1 September, while it has also increased its Abu Dhabi flights from four to seven per week. However, it continues to advise passengers to “check the latest flight schedules and travel requirementsravel”
Air Astana: The national carrier of Kazakhstan has resumed its service to Dubai after suspending it back in July, its routes to Riyadh and Jeddah have been cancelled this week.
Malaysia Airlines: Malaysia Airlines resumed flights to Jeddah and Madinah on 18 October following a safety review.
Pakistan International Airlines: Pakistan International Airlines temporarily suspended flights to Riyadh on 9 October and has not announced a resumption date. Its other Saudi services have continued operating.
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Which airlines have suspended and cancelled Middle East flights?
Air Canada: Air Canada has extended its suspension of flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv until the end of March 2027.
AirBaltic: The airline’s has discontinued all flights to Dubai for the winter 2026/27 season. An update posted on 23 September said: “The decision has been made following a comprehensive assessment of several factors, including the current situation in the region, as well as potential operational restrictions affecting the routings normally used for flights to and from Dubai.”
British Airways: British Airways has suspended flights to many destinations in the Middle East, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The airline will be permanently dropping its London-Jeddah route. The carrier has confirmed it will resume flights to Dubai on 3 November, while flights to Abu Dhabi won’t begin until winter 2027-28. Its route to Tel Aviv resumed on 25 October with one daily service. It plans to restore the Riyadh route on 3 November with one daily flight, and to Amman on 4 November, with four flights per week. Flights to Bahrain are not scheduled to resume until the end of March 2027. Flights to Doha recommenced on 1 September with one daily flight, down from two previously. Customers who had bookings with British Airways issued before 1 April for travel between 28 February and 31 October can request a full refund or date change.
Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until 31 January, 2027. Customers affected may rebook, reroute or refund their tickets as per the airline’s ticket waiver policy. “We are monitoring the situation closely and will remain agile in our response. The safety of our customers and people guides every decision we make,” the airline said in a statement.
Delta Air Lines: Delta has postponed the launch of its new route between Atlanta and Riyadh until March 2027. The service had been scheduled to begin on 23 October.
Finn Air: Finland’s national carrier, Finn Air, has suspended flights between Dubai and Helsinki until 27 March, 2027. Its flights to Doha have also been suspended until the winter season, with no resumption date provided.
Iran Air: All flights between Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport and the UAE have been cancelled indefinitely as the UAE government responds to US sanctions.
ITA Airways: Flights to Dubai have been suspended up to and including 30 November, while the airline’s service to Riyadh, which was previously reinstated, has been suspended again until 18 November.
KLM: Dutch airline KLM has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai up to and including 27 March 2027, while services to Riyadh and Dammam have been cancelled up to and including 27 November 2026.
Korean Air: Korean Air has suspended its route from Incheon International Airport to Dubai until further notice.
Japan Airlines: Japan Airlines has cancelled its Tokyo to Doha and Doha to Tokyo flights until “it is confirmed that sufficient safety measures are ensured under the current situation in the Middle East”.
Lufthansa: The German carrier has suspended flights to Riyadh until 18 November and Dammam until 30 November. Its planned October return to Dubai has been postponed to 25 November.
Norwegian: In a statement on its website, budget carrier Norwegian announced that its seasonal route to Dubai ended on 8 April; there will be no new flights to Dubai until further notice.
Virgin Atlantic: British carrier Virgin Atlantic has suspended its service from London to Dubai for the foreseeable future. The airline put out a statement on 8 March, saying: “The recent escalation in the Middle East has brought forward the end of our operation for this season.” Those with tickets for Virgin flights are advised to contact the airline, as their teams are “actively working to support those who still need to travel, including exploring and securing arrangements with other airlines wherever possible”.
Scoot: Singapore Airlines’ budget subsidiary has suspended its route to Jeddah until Wednesday, 2 December.
Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines has extended its suspension of flights between Singapore and Dubai until 28 February, 2027.
Wizz Air: Flights from mainland Europe to Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been suspended until March 2027, while flights to Medina in Saudi Arabia are cancelled indefinitely.
Middle East airspace updates
Kuwait‘s airspace is open.
Bahrain’s airspace is currently open.
The United Arab Emirates airspace is open.
Qatar has also reopened its airspace.
Iraq and Israel have reopened their airspace, although operations remain subject to potential short-term closures.
Iran has partially reopened its airspace, allowing transit through eastern routes.
Saudi Arabia‘s airspace is technically still open, but it is being impacted by intermittent missile strikes from Iran-backed Houthis. “Passengers travelling to destinations impacted by ongoing events are urged to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight updates before leaving for the airport,” King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Jeddah Airports and Dammam Airports advised.
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What are a
The European Union A continues to maintain a series of conflict-zone advisories covering parts of the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The principal advisories are currently valid until Monday, 16 November, unless reviewed earlier
The Saudi Arabia advisory applies to the entire Jeddah Flight Information Region, with EASA advising airlines not to operate within a specified part of the airspace and to exercise caution elsewhere in the FIR. EASA also advises operators against entering Iranian airspace, while restrictions and recommendations remain in place for other parts of the region.
The advisories apply to EU airlines operating under European aASA to operate to, from or within the European Union. Airlines continue to reroute some services around affected airspace, contributing to longer flight times
What does this mean for travellers?
Travellers should expect a range of practical disruptions, including:
- Technical stops: particularly on low-cost carriers, with unscheduled fuel stops in southern Europe
- Cancellations: while airspace is closed, airlines have no choice but to ground flights
- Schedule shifts: if and when flights resume, expect there to be a knock-on impact on flight schedules
- Rerouting delays: longer flight durations even on services that remain operational
Airlines are offering refunds and flexible rebooking options, though policies vary by carrier.
