Stay updated on UAE flight status. Major disruptions, delays, and cancellations reported at DXB, AUH, and SHJ, particularly on routes to Saudi Arabia.
Key Takeaways
- UAE flight status faces major disruptions, primarily affecting routes to Saudi Arabia.
- Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways have cancelled multiple flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam through October 24.
- Dubai International Airport reports numerous cancellations mainly for Saudi and Kuwait destinations.
- Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International experiences significant delays on various international routes, affecting multiple cities.
- Air Arabia has also cancelled services from both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, impacting several Middle Eastern and South Asian destinations.
Flight disruptions are currently affecting UAE travellers, particularly on routes to Saudi Arabia. Major airlines including Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad have cancelled several services to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam through October 24. Significant delays are also being reported at Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (Zayed International) airports for various international routes.
Current Flight Disruptions in the UAE
As of Tuesday, 20 October 2026, regional disruptions are causing significant schedule changes for passengers departing from the UAE. The most acute impact is being felt on flights connecting to Saudi Arabia, where several major carriers have suspended specific services.
Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways have all cancelled services to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. While these major hubs are heavily affected, some specific routes remain operational; for example, Emirates and flydubai services to Medina are currently listed as operating or scheduled.
The situation remains dynamic, particularly for Etihad Airways, which has confirmed cancellations for flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah through to Saturday, 24 October. Passengers should be aware that these changes are subject to rapid updates as the regional situation evolves.
Dubai International (DXB) Status: Saudi and Kuwait Cancellations
Dubai International Airport is reporting a high volume of cancellations specifically targeting Saudi Arabian destinations and Kuwait. According to airport departure information, flydubai and Emirates have been forced to cancel multiple services. Affected Saudi cities include Riyadh, Dammam, Abha, and Ha’il. Specific cancellations at DXB include:
- Riyadh: FZ841 and EK2486
- Dammam: FZ869, EK2484, FZ863, EK2278, FZ867, and EK2282
- Abha: FZ811
- Ha’il: FZ821
- Kuwait: J9 122
Additionally, some Indian carriers are experiencing delays at DXB, including SpiceJet flights to New Delhi, Kochi, and Mumbai. For those tracking international airlines cancelling Dubai flights, it is vital to distinguish between these regional Saudi-related cancellations and general operational delays affecting other routes.
Abu Dhabi (Zayed International) Status: International Delays
While cancellations are a primary concern for Saudi-bound travellers, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi is experiencing notable delays on several major international routes. These delays affect arrivals and departures from various global hubs. Reported delays include:
- New York: Etihad EY004, scheduled for 7:20pm, delayed to 9pm.
- Delhi: Air India Express IX179 (delayed to 11:50am) and Etihad EY215.
- Tel Aviv: Etihad EY610 and LY9613, scheduled for 11:10am, delayed to 12:25pm.
- Bangkok: Etihad EY403 and several codeshare flights, scheduled for 12:35pm, delayed to 1:05pm.
- Colombo: Etihad EY391 and various codeshare flights, scheduled for 7:05pm, delayed to 8:05pm.
- Bahrain: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi 3L016 and Etihad EY1371, scheduled for 12:10pm, delayed to 12:55pm.
Air Arabia: Cancellations in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi
Air Arabia is also facing service disruptions across its Abu Dhabi and Sharjah hubs, affecting a wide range of destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has cancelled services to Sohag, Cairo Sphinx, Kuwait, and Colombo. Air Arabia Sharjah has reported a broader list of cancellations, including flights to Riyadh, Abha, Jizan, Al Jouf, Kuwait, Doha, Islamabad, Chattogram, Dhaka, Cairo Sphinx, Najaf, and Almaty.
Why are flights being disrupted?
The primary driver for the current wave of cancellations to Saudi Arabia is regional disruption. Data from aviation analytics company Cirium shows that Saudi Arabia’s flight network has been under extreme pressure; on 19 October, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport recorded a disruption rate of 66.06%, with 181 of 274 scheduled departures affected.
While many of these disruptions are linked to the regional security situation and airspace restrictions, it is important to note that not all delays are directly related to conflict; some may stem from technical or operational reasons. For a deeper look at how the region manages these periods, see our guide on UAE tourism safety during regional tensions.
Essential Advice for Travellers
Given the volatile nature of flight schedules during this period, passengers should not assume that a service will operate as originally planned. To minimise travel disruption, follow these steps:
- Verify directly with the airline: Check your flight status via the airline’s official website or mobile app before leaving for the airport.
- Monitor communications: Look for SMS or email notifications from your carrier regarding schedule changes or rebooking options.
- Confirm terminal and timing: Always double-check departure times and terminal information through the official airport website, as these can change at short notice.
- Plan for delays: If travelling through Abu Dhabi or Dubai, allow extra time for check-in and security, especially if your connecting flight is subject to the delays mentioned above.
