Etihad Airways Extends Suspension of Riyadh and Dammam Flights

Etihad Airways has officially extended the suspension of its flight operations to Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia until November 19, 2026. This decision follows reports of security incidents involving King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where regional tensions have led to claims of ballistic missile activity. The airline is prioritizing the safety of its passengers and crew by maintaining this suspension while the security situation is monitored. This extension reflects the broader volatility in the region, which continues to impact airline scheduling and operational risk assessments for carriers operating in the Middle East.

Passengers holding confirmed tickets for travel to or from Riyadh or Dammam on Etihad Airways flights through November 19, 2026, are affected. This includes both direct travellers and those with connecting itineraries through Abu Dhabi.

Makutet expects that regional security concerns will continue to cause intermittent, short-notice flight suspensions for carriers operating into Saudi Arabia. We advise travellers to maintain flexible itineraries and consider travel insurance that specifically covers regional security-related disruptions, as the operational environment remains highly unpredictable.