UAE flight cancellations and delays continue as regional security concerns persist

UAE travellers faced flight cancellations and delays on Monday, October 19, as regional security concerns continued to affect air travel. Several services between the UAE and Saudi Arabia were disrupted, while cancellations were also reported on routes from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to destinations across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Dubai International Airport's arrivals page listed cancellations affecting flights from India and Saudi Arabia. At Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, several arrivals were delayed, while Etihad Airways cancelled services between Abu Dhabi and Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah through October 24. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport remains closed to flight operations, according to the Indian Embassy's advisory. Dammam, Jeddah and Medina airports remain operational, although some services continue to face disruption. The UAE's suspension of flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country remains in effect until further notice. Flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv remain affected following the security incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30. Emirates has suspended its codeshare operations with flydubai to and from Tel Aviv until further notice. Passengers should check their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport, as schedules can change at short notice.