Major UAE Airlines Cancel Riyadh Flights Following Airport Closure After Deadly Attack

Major UAE airlines have suspended flights to and from Riyadh, with widespread disruptions extending into Monday following the emergency closure of King Khalid International Airport.

The shutdown comes in the wake of Saturday's attack, which resulted in 12 fatalities and 309 injuries, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation. Authorities immediately suspended operations to assess damage and ensure the safety of all facilities.

Etihad Airways confirmed six flight cancellations between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh for Sunday, October 11, alongside two additional cancellations for Monday. Affected services include flights EY551, EY555, EY559, EY552, EY556, and EY560, as well as Monday's EY551 and EY552. Etihad has advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to Zayed International Airport.

Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have also cancelled multiple services connecting Dubai and Sharjah to the Saudi capital. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated that hundreds of flights to and from Riyadh faced cancellation as precautionary measures remained in place.

Passengers holding tickets for affected routes are strongly urged to verify their flight status directly with their respective airlines before traveling, and to review available rebooking and refund options.