Etihad Airways has cancelled all flights to Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport until Monday, October 19, while its flights to Jeddah and Dammam remain suspended through Wednesday, October 14. The airline, which announced the move on Tuesday, cited "regional disruption" as the reason.
Flydubai has also grounded flights to several Saudi destinations, including Abha, Dammam and Riyadh, through October 19, saying it continues to monitor the situation. Air France has suspended its Dubai-Riyadh route until October 31, stating it is "monitoring developments in the region in real time."
The cancellations follow repeated attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, with Saudi authorities confirming fresh damage from a strike on Sunday. Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation had issued a notice to airmen (Notam) indicating the airport would remain closed until October 17 while safety and operational checks were completed. 46.4 per cent of all scheduled flights across Saudi Arabia had been cancelled as of 4pm UAE time on Monday. The disruption extends well beyond the capital, also affecting airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Abha.
Travellers flying to or transiting through Saudi Arabia from the UAE are advised to check directly with their airline before departure, as the list of affected routes and cancellation dates continues to change.