Riyadh airport closure: Emirates, Etihad and other UAE airlines cancel flights

UAE airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia, cancelled numerous flights to and from Riyadh on Sunday following a deadly Houthi rebel attack at King Khalid International Airport. The closure of the airport remained in effect until midnight on Sunday, with an aviation notice citing precautionary measures but not specifying a resumption date.

As of 9:15 am UAE time, 606 flights were reported cancelled on Sunday, comprising 293 departures and 313 arrivals. Several UAE-Riyadh services are expected to remain scheduled for Monday, but their operation depends on airport conditions. Etihad Airways cancelled flights EY551, EY555, EY559, EY552, EY556, and EY560 on Sunday and Monday, advising passengers to check flight status.

Emirates cancelled flights EK819, EK817, EK820, EK815, and EK819 on Sunday and Monday, while Flydubai cancelled flights FZ847, FZ841, FZ855, and FZ848 on Sunday and FZ848 on Monday. Air Arabia cancelled flights G9151 and G9154 on Sunday. Passengers are advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airline, check for booking changes, and inform their travel agent regarding rebooking and refund options.