A notice to airmen keeps Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport closed until at least 17 October. Etihad has cancelled all Abu Dhabi flights to Riyadh and Dammam through 18 October and some Jeddah flights until 19 October, and Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia have cancelled their Riyadh services on 14 and 15 October, with further cancellations to Dammam, Abha and other Saudi cities. The UK advises against all but essential travel to Jeddah, Dammam and every Saudi airport except Madinah.
UAE travel agents report that many residents have put Umrah plans on hold, and airlines are offering refunds or new dates on cancelled flights.
Sources
- Gulf News, Lekshmy Pavithran gulfnews.com/business/aviation/uae-saudi-flight-cancellations-emirates-etihad-flydubai-and-air-arabia-issue-fresh-updates-after-riyadh-attack-1.500709892
- Gulf News, Dhanusha Gokulan gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/uae-flights-status-update-emirates-etihad-flydubai-cancellations-hit-saudi-routes-1.500708427
- Gulf News, Dhanusha Gokulan gulfnews.com/travel/umrah-demand-falls-as-riyadh-airport-closure-disrupts-uae-pilgrims-1.500709981
- GOV.UK, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia
This update states what the sources above reported on the date shown. It is general information, not legal advice, and the position can change at short notice. Read how our travel advisories are researched and signed.