{
  "id": 13886197,
  "title": "Riyadh airport closure: UAE flight cancellations extend into Tuesday",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/riyadh-airport-closure-uae-flight-cancellations-extend-into-tuesday",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T05:56:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2026/10/12/riyadh-airport-closure-emirates-etihad-cancel-flights-sunday-monday/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Monday and Tuesday, numerous flights originating from or terminating at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh were cancelled due to a recent Houthi attack. Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia all suspended their services to and from Riyadh. The closure remains in effect until midnight on Tuesday, with no specific resumption time indicated by aviation authorities. The airport suffered damage following a deadly strike on Sunday, which resulted in 13 fatalities and over 300 injuries. Both Etihad and Emirates have cancelled multiple flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. Flydubai has extended its cancellation policy to include Wednesday, while Air Arabia has also cancelled several flights to Riyadh and Abha. Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline, as further changes may occur.",
  "summary": "UAE airlines have continued to cancel flights to and from Riyadh, with travel disruption extending into Tuesday after King Khalid International Airport was closed following a deadly Houthi attack. Etihad Airways has announced cancellations for Monday and Tuesday, with services to Dammam and Jeddah also affected. Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia have also cancelled flights connecting Dubai and…",
  "key_points": [
    "Riyadh airport closed due to Houthi attack",
    "Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia suspend services",
    "Closure extends to Tuesday night"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The sudden suspension of regional flight services by major carriers underscores how targeted strikes on critical infrastructure can immediately destabilize air connectivity across the Middle East.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Riyadh airport closure: UAE flight cancellations extend into Tuesday",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/riyadh-airport-closure-uae-flight-cancellations-extend-into-tuesday-13890916",
        "published": "2026-10-12T05:56:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}