Flight Disruptions
Etihad and flydubai extend Saudi Arabia flight cancellations through 14 October

Etihad and flydubai extend Saudi Arabia flight cancellations through 14 October

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Checked by Matteo Floris

Last updated on October 12, 2026

Disruption overview

Travelers between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia face extended cancellations with Etihad Airways and flydubai following an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Etihad has canceled flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh, including return services, from 11 to 13 October 2026, while flydubai's flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Abha are canceled through 14 October 2026. Both airlines are monitoring the situation and advise you to check their official websites for updates. Compensation is unlikely for these journeys, but you should still ask your airline about rebooking, refunds, and any care and assistance available for your circumstances.

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Disruption details

Etihad Airways and flydubai have extended cancellations between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia following Saturday's attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Etihad's affected flights are canceled from 11 to 13 October 2026, while flydubai's cancellations continue through 14 October 2026.

For passengers, this means disrupted journeys across several Saudi destinations. If you're booked on an affected route, check your airline's official website for the latest flight status and contact them about your travel options.

The cancellations cover the following routes and dates:

Etihad Airways flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh are canceled from 11 to 13 October 2026, including return services to Abu Dhabi.
flydubai flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Abha are canceled up to and including 14 October 2026.

Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority said the attack killed 12 people and injured 309. The flight cancellations are part of the wider regional disruption following that security incident, rather than an isolated operational problem at either airline.

Etihad cited regional disruption as the reason for its cancellations. Both carriers are continuing to monitor the situation and have directed passengers to their official websites for updates.

If your flight's affected, compensation under EC 261 or UK passenger rights rules is unlikely. These routes connect the UAE and Saudi Arabia, so those rules are unlikely to cover the journeys described here. The attack is also a security event outside the airlines' control, rather than an operational issue they could prevent.

That doesn't mean you're without support. Ask your airline about rebooking or a refund, and what care and assistance is available if you're left waiting. Depending on the rules that apply to your journey, this may include food, refreshments, or accommodation and transportation if you're delayed overnight.

Your exact rights depend on your flight and circumstances. Although compensation is unlikely here, you can use AirHelp's free flight checker to check whether your journey qualifies.

Know your rights

These are your air passenger rights

When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.

Rerouting or refund

If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Care and assistance

Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.

Accommodation

If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.

Communication

Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.

This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.

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Quick facts

Summary

Disruption

Cancellations

Cause

Terrorism

Status

Current disruption

Compensation

Not eligible for compensation

Airlines affected

Etihad Airways, Flydubai

Cities affected

Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh, Abha

Countries affected

United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia

Start date

2026-10-11

End date

2026-10-14

Checked by

Matteo Floris

Date updated

October 12, 2026

What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked

If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.

Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.

Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.

Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.

Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.

Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.

If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.

Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.

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