The notice to airmen closing Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport ran to the end of 17 October. Reports on 18 October differ: The National said the airport had reopened, but Gulf News, citing airline advisories, still listed it as suspended, and neither quoted a statement from Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority. UAE airlines have not yet returned.
Emirates cancelled all of its Dubai flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam on 18 October, continues to fly to Madinah and lists six Riyadh services for 20 October. Etihad's Abu Dhabi flights to Riyadh and Dammam remain cancelled through 18 October and its EY603 and EY604 Jeddah services through 19 October. flydubai's Riyadh, Dammam and Abha flights are cancelled up to 19 October, while its Jeddah, Gassim, Tabuk and Taif flights operate, and Air Arabia has cancelled its Sharjah flights to Riyadh, Dammam, Abha, Jizan and Taif with no resumption date. Residents travelling for Umrah should confirm their flight with the airline before leaving for the airport.
Sources
- The National, Evelyn Lau thenationalnews.com/travel/2026/10/18/riyadh-airport-reopens-which-airlines-are-still-cancelling-flights-to-saudi-arabia/
- Gulf News, Lekshmy Pavithran gulfnews.com/business/aviation/uae-flight-status-today-full-list-of-cancellations-delays-and-travel-advisories-for-saudi-arabia-1.500714839
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.