UAE flights status today: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia cancellations, delays as Saudi routes remain disrupted

Dubai: UAE air travellers continue to face an uneven operating picture, with flight delays at Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi, and cancellations affecting several routes between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

While airlines are gradually restoring international services ahead of the winter travel season, regional security concerns continue to affect flight schedules, particularly connections to Riyadh and Dammam.

Etihad has extended its suspensions on both routes until November 19, while some services to Jeddah are scheduled to resume on November 6.

Several international carriers have also extended suspensions or postponed planned returns to Dubai, although others have already restarted services.

For passengers travelling on November 5, the key concern remains the possibility of last-minute schedule changes. Travellers should check their individual flight status directly with airlines before leaving for the airport.

The conflict between the United States and Iran continues to cast uncertainty over regional aviation, despite diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement.

US President Donald Trump is facing mounting political pressure over the war following heavy Republican losses in Tuesday's midterm elections. Vice President JD Vance reportedly acknowledged that the conflict contributed to the party's poor performance.

Trump is weighing several options, including renewed military strikes, a negotiated agreement or continued pressure on Tehran. Qatar is continuing mediation efforts, with a draft agreement potentially paving the way for direct talks.

However, the situation remains fragile. Reuters reported on November 3 that Washington and Tehran remained far apart on a deal, despite indirect negotiations. Iran has maintained demands that include lifting oil sanctions, ending the US naval blockade and releasing frozen funds.

There was another security concern on November 5 after the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a tanker had been hit by two unidentified projectiles approximately 50 nautical miles north of Qatar. The crew's condition and the extent of the damage were not immediately known.

UAE-Saudi Arabia flights: Routes remain affected

Saudi Arabia continues to be a significant source of disruption for UAE-based travellers. Several airlines have cancelled services to Riyadh and Dammam, while other routes are operating with adjustments.

Etihad Airways

Etihad has issued an updated notice covering its Saudi Arabia operations:

The airline has warned that the situation remains dynamic and further changes are possible.

Emirates

The following Dubai-Saudi flights are listed as cancelled in the supplied flight-status update:

Passengers should check Emirates' flight-status page for the latest operating information.

flydubai

The airline's Saudi network has a mixture of scheduled, estimated and operating flights.

Latest route information in the supplied update:

No flight-status information was available in the supplied snapshot for Abha, AlUla, Dammam, Taif, Gizan, Riyadh, Jouf, Nejran, Neom, Qaisumah, The Red Sea and Yanbu.

The absence of a flight-status update does not necessarily mean that a route has been cancelled or suspended.

Air Arabia

The following Sharjah-Saudi Arabia flights are listed as cancelled:

Other international airline cancellations affecting Saudi Arabia

Several international airlines continue to adjust their Saudi Arabia schedules.

According to airline updates:

Saudi carriers have introduced alternative arrangements for passengers affected by disruption at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.

Passengers using these arrangements should confirm their departure airport and ground-transfer details directly with their airline.

Several European flights reported suspected bomb threats on Thursday, November 5, resulting in diversions and additional security checks.

A Finnair flight from Helsinki to Rome was escorted by a fighter jet before being checked by bomb disposal experts in Rome.

A Wizz Air flight from Milan to Warsaw was diverted to Vienna. Another aircraft travelling from Dublin to Rome was reportedly diverted to France and escorted by military aircraft following a suspected bomb threat.

Airlines said the diversions were carried out in accordance with established safety procedures. These incidents are separate from the US-Iran conflict-related airspace restrictions.

Emirates passengers travelling to or transiting through the United States must complete and sign a separate attestation form before check-in, unless officially exempt.

The form confirms that passengers have not visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 21 days before boarding.

Travellers must print and carry the completed document for verification at check-in. Connecting passengers may be asked to present it at the boarding gate.

International governments and aviation authorities continue to warn of security risks and possible travel disruption across the Middle East.

United States

The US State Department's October 23 advisory places the UAE at Level 3, advising Americans to reconsider travel because of terrorism and armed conflict. The advisory also refers to potential armed attacks and security risks involving Iranian-supported groups.

United Kingdom

The UK Foreign Office advises British nationals to remain alert to regional tensions and the possibility of further escalation. Its published UAE advice warns that military developments could result in flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruption.

Canada

Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in the UAE because of the volatile regional security situation. Its October 14 update warns that military activity, missile and drone attacks could affect transport, including flights, and advises travellers to follow local authorities' instructions.

Australia

Australia's Smartraveller advice, reviewed on October 8 and still current on October 24, recommends exercising a high degree of caution in the UAE. It warns that military conflict could lead to airspace closures, flight cancellations and restrictions affecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports.

European aviation safety agency (EASA)

EASA continues to maintain active conflict-zone information bulletins covering Iran, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman. The relevant Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman bulletin, as well as its Iran bulletin, is valid until November 16, unless reviewed earlier. These advisories guide European operators' risk assessments and flight planning.

Dubai's winter flight schedule is expanding, with several international airlines having restored services or preparing to return in November and December. However, some major carriers have extended their suspensions.

Dubai is expected to gain up to 36 additional weekly flights connecting the emirate with European destinations as services return between late October and December.

The following suspensions and postponements are listed in the supplied airline updates:

Passengers connecting through international hubs should also be aware of disruption unrelated to the direct UAE-Saudi route suspensions.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi: What is happening to regular operations?

Despite individual cancellations and delays, the return of international carriers is helping expand connectivity ahead of the winter travel rush.

Dubai's October airport seat capacity reached 7.2 million, up 23 per cent from June, according to the figures in the supplied update.

However, the recovery in scheduled capacity does not mean every route has returned to normal. Airlines continue to make individual operational adjustments in response to regional developments.

With airlines continuing to adjust schedules, passengers should take the following precautions:

1. Check your flight before leaving home: A confirmed booking does not guarantee that the flight will operate as originally scheduled. Check the airline's website and airport departure boards.

2. Arrive early: Allow at least three hours before departure, or longer if advised by your airline.

3. flydubai passengers: If departing from Dubai, allow four hours before departure, in line with the airline's guidance.

4. Complete online check-in: Use online check-in wherever available and keep your boarding pass accessible.

5. Allow extra time for airport journeys: Factor in road traffic, check-in queues, security checks and immigration.

6. Keep your contact details updated: Ensure your airline has your current telephone number and email address so that you receive notifications about changes.

7. Check connecting flights: If travelling through another Middle Eastern airport, confirm that your onward service is operating before setting off.

8. Understand your rebooking options: If your flight is cancelled, contact the airline directly about alternative arrangements, refunds or travel flexibility.

9. Monitor official advisories: Follow UAE authorities, airlines and airport announcements for the latest operational information.