DUBAI, Nov. 6, 2026 — flydubai has started bringing back its Saudi Arabia flights in stages, beginning with Jeddah on Nov. 6. Its Saudi network was disrupted after attacks closed Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport in October. The airport partly reopened on Oct. 25, and Gulf News links the disruption to the US–Iran conflict.
Restart schedule
| Route | Resumes |
|---|---|
| Dubai–Jeddah | Nov. 6, 2026 |
| Dubai–Dammam | Nov. 10, 2026 |
| Dubai–Riyadh | Nov. 17, 2026 |
| Dubai–Abha | Nov. 17, 2026 |
The airline still warns of possible disruption: “we expect some disruption to our scheduled operations to Saudi Arabia.”
Elsewhere in the region (as reported by Gulf News)
- Emirates still has cancellations to Dammam, Jeddah (EK801) and Riyadh.
- Air Arabia has cancellations from Sharjah to Abha, Jizan and Riyadh.
- Saudia and flyadeal are moving some Riyadh services to Al Qassim, with bus transfers.
What it means for non-revs
- The first flights back usually carry passengers who were rebooked from cancelled flights. Expect heavy loads on the restarted Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh and Abha flights in their first days.
- Before you list for any Saudi flight in the next two weeks, confirm it is operating. Schedules are still changing and Riyadh service does not return until Nov. 17.
- Avoid Saudi trips where you have no confirmed way home. Further disruption has not been ruled out.
Sources
- Arabian Business — Etihad and flydubai resume selected Saudi Arabia flights from UAE
- Gulf News — UAE flights status today: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia cancellations, delays as Saudi routes remain disrupted (last updated Nov. 5, 2026)
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