October 30, 2026 — Emirates is scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia again starting today with Jeddah. Riyadh and Dammam are set to follow on November 8. Its Dubai neighbor flydubai is also returning, while Abu Dhabi’s Etihad is staying away for now.
What happened
Reports from The National (October 25) and House of Saud (October 29) say Emirates is resuming Dubai–Jeddah on October 30 with three outbound flights (EK801, EK805, EK803) and three return flights (EK802, EK806, EK804). Riyadh and Dammam return on November 8. The National reported that Emirates’ Medina service kept running throughout.
Neither source confirms that the October 30 flights actually operated. Both describe them as scheduled.
| Carrier | Saudi service status |
|---|---|
| Emirates (EK) | Jeddah from Oct 30; Riyadh and Dammam from Nov 8; Medina operating |
| flydubai (FZ) | Riyadh, Dammam and Abha from Oct 30 (two daily to Riyadh, four daily to Dammam) |
| Etihad (EY) | Riyadh, Dammam and four Jeddah services (EY601–EY604) cancelled through Nov 5 |
Background
- Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport partially reopened on October 25 with Terminals 1 and 2 operating (The National).
- AirHelp figures cited by House of Saud count 7,802 Saudi departures disrupted between October 8 and October 25.
- House of Saud reports that a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) conflict-zone bulletin for the region runs through November 16 and an FAA caution notice runs through December 10.
- No airline has publicly explained why Emirates and flydubai are returning while Etihad is not.
- Neither source describes an Emirates rebooking waiver for the affected flights. Details: TBA.
What it means for non-revs
- Jeddah is the first Saudi destination back on Emirates. Riyadh and Dammam follow on November 8. Expect heavy loads on the first flights back, because passengers whose trips were cancelled will be trying to get home or rebook.
- Expect last-minute changes. Several airlines have extended their Saudi suspensions more than once this month. Check Emirates’ schedule and loads on the day you travel.
- ZED/interline travelers: if your airline has a ZED agreement with Emirates or flydubai, ask your pass bureau whether Saudi sectors are open to staff travel during the restart. Some carriers restrict non-revs on disrupted routes.
- Check safety advisories. EASA and FAA notices for the region are still in force. Read your own airline’s guidance and any government travel advisory before you go.
Sources
- House of Saud — “Emirates and flydubai Schedule Saudi Flights from October 30 as Etihad Stays Out” — houseofsaud.com
- The National — “Saudi Arabia flight cancellations: Which airlines are suspending services and until when?” — thenationalnews.com
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