Airlines extend Middle East flight suspensions amid renewed attacks on Saudi Arabia

International airlines have extended flight suspensions across the Middle East following renewed missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, with services to Riyadh and other regional destinations facing further disruption.

Saudi Arabia’s military coalition reported intercepting missiles targeting Riyadh and the south of the country earlier this week, alongside a drone over the Eastern Province. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including King Khalid International Airport.

The latest incidents follow weeks of disruption to the kingdom’s aviation network, with repeated attacks on airport infrastructure prompting cancellations and heightened security measures.

Several airlines have extended their suspensions. Etihad Airways has cancelled services between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and Dammam until 19 November, while flydubai has suspended flights to Riyadh and Abha until 16 November.

European carriers are also delaying their return to the region. ITA Airways has postponed services to Riyadh until January 2027 and Dubai until the end of that month, while British Airways is not scheduled to resume Riyadh flights until 11 January.

Elsewhere, KLM and Singapore Airlines have extended suspensions of their Dubai services into 2027, reflecting the continued uncertainty affecting international routes through the Gulf.

Aviation safety warnings remain in place

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) continues to maintain conflict-zone advisories covering several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon.

Its Saudi Arabia advisory, currently valid until 16 November, warns of risks associated with missile and drone attacks, air defence activity, and the potential misidentification of civilian aircraft.

The agency recommends that operators avoid specified areas of Saudi airspace and exercise caution elsewhere in the country.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia, warning that further attacks could affect transport infrastructure and international departures.

For travellers, the disruption has resulted in cancellations, longer journey times, and changes to connecting services, with airlines offering varying rebooking and refund arrangements.