Dubai Civil Aviation Authority reminds passengers of compensation rights amid spike in delays
flydubai pulls Riyadh, Dammam and Abha flights through 29 October
UAE airports face rolling cancellations and delays but European routes start to return
Latest News
Air Arabia Adds 20 More Cancellations; Etihad Saudi Ban Now Runs to 6 November
Trip Station’s 23 October advisory lists new Air Arabia cancellations on at least five non-Saudi routes, while Etihad has prolonged its Saudi flight suspensions to 6 November. The move squeezes capacity for UAE travellers across the GCC and South Asia and forces companies to budget for pricier re-Routing.
Daily flight-status bulletin shows mixed picture as European carriers return and regional alerts persist
Gulf News’ Friday bulletin shows the UAE regaining long-haul links to Europe even as security-driven cancellations linger on Gulf and Levant routes. Businesses gain new capacity to Munich, Frankfurt and Zurich next week, but must still plan around Saudi and Tel Aviv disruptions.
Etihad extends suspension of Saudi routes until 5 November as security concerns persist
Etihad has cancelled all Abu Dhabi flights to Riyadh, Dammam and selected Jeddah services until 5 November after fresh attacks on Saudi airports. The decision lengthens earlier suspensions and highlights the ongoing security volatility affecting Gulf airspace. Companies should delay non-essential Saudi travel and prepare contingency routings for urgent trips.
Emirates Drops Three A380 Routes in Winter 2026 Schedule Shake-Up
Emirates has filed last-minute changes that pull the A380 off the Dubai–Taipei, Dubai–Amsterdam and Dubai–London Gatwick routes for parts of the 2026/27 winter season. The aircraft swap reduces premium-cabin capacity and could raise fares on busy holiday-period dates, so companies should review seat blocks and traveller communications.
Indian missions shut four UAE consular centres as outsourcing tender heads for re-bid
Four outsourced Indian passport-service centres in the UAE have shut as the Indian missions launch a new tender, forcing many expatriates to reroute applications to remaining centres or embassy counters. Corporates employing Indian nationals should pad lead times for document renewals.
UAE Embassy in Paris issues crowd-avoidance alert for Emirati travellers
Citing planned demonstrations, the UAE Embassy in Paris has told Emirati nationals to avoid crowded areas on 24 October and to register with the foreign ministry’s crisis-monitoring service. The alert may prompt businesses to reassess discretionary travel to France this weekend.
UAE drops to joint 2nd in latest Henley Passport Index but retains top ranking in Arton list
Henley’s 23 October update places the UAE passport in joint second place worldwide with visa-free access to 188 destinations, down one rung behind Singapore. The move has minimal practical impact – Emiratis still enjoy the widest travel freedom in the Middle East and top Arton’s alternative index – but HR teams should stay alert to upcoming ETIAS and other pre-travel authorisations.
Trip Station issues fresh travel advisory for UAE residents amid Gulf flight disruptions
Travel-management portal Trip Station refreshed its Gulf flight-disruption advisory on 23 October, highlighting extended Saudi cancellations, fresh Air Arabia route cuts and continued EU airspace warnings. SMEs relying on the service gain a timestamped, route-by-route risk snapshot to support duty-of-care compliance.
Indian Embassy Consolidates Passport & Visa Services to 12 Centres Across the UAE
Four outsourced Indian passport-and-visa centres closed on 22 October, leaving 12 facilities to serve the UAE’s 3.5 million Indian residents. The embassy says the slimmed-down network will improve oversight and pave the way for biometric e-passports, but companies should update travel procedures and expect higher footfall at the remaining centres.
MoHRE Clarifies 14-Day Deadline for Paying UAE End-of-Service Gratuity
The UAE labour ministry has reiterated that employers have just 14 days to pay end-of-service gratuity once a contract ends. Late payment can trigger fines and WPS sanctions, so mobility and payroll teams should audit processes and consider MoHRE’s new Savings Scheme to fund future liabilities.
Dubai Raises and Lowers Speed Limits on Five Key Arterial Roads
Dubai’s RTA will adjust speed limits on five major roads from 1 November, raising three and lowering two. Companies should update fleet guidance and warn travellers that radar grace limits still apply—breaching them could cost up to Dh 3,000 and 23 black points.