Low-cost carrier flydubai has cancelled its daily services from Dubai International (DXB) to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha until at least 29 October 2026. The airline cited “the prevailing situation” in the Gulf and said it is monitoring developments closely in coordination with Emirati and Saudi authorities. Affected customers have been offered free rebooking to dates after 30 October or full refunds. Travel-management companies (TMCs) report that early-week outbound demand from Dubai to Riyadh—one of the region’s busiest corporate corridors—had already dropped by 38 percent after last week’s attacks on Saudi infrastructure. Businesses with short-notice assignments are turning to Saudia and Qatar Airways connections via Doha, although limited seat inventory is driving up one-way fares by as much as 70 percent. Logistics firms moving time-sensitive cargo are also facing higher rates as belly-hold capacity shrinks. Security consultants note that although Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has officially reopened, sporadic drone interceptions continue to trigger NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) that can ripple across neighbouring FIRs. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority is maintaining an elevated threat-assessment level for overflights of the Northern Gulf. flydubai advises passengers to keep contact details up to date in their bookings so they can receive SMS re-routing options should further schedule changes become necessary.
Source: Gulf News
