Doha–Saudi flights disrupted: check status before travel to Riyadh, Dammam

Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and three Saudi cities — Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam — citing "regional disruption", while Qatar Airways has announced a temporary suspension of its services to Riyadh and Dammam. The moves affect travellers flying between the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Key facts

• Announced: 13 October 2026
• Etihad routes affected: Abu Dhabi–Riyadh, Abu Dhabi–Jeddah, Abu Dhabi–Dammam
• Flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are suspended until 19 October
• Qatar Airways routes affected: to and from Riyadh and Dammam, described as a temporary suspension
• Airlines cited regional disruption amid fighting between Yemen's Houthis and Saudi Arabia

Which flights are suspended?

Etihad said it cancelled flights linking Abu Dhabi with Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. The airline said all flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are suspended until 19 October. The source does not give an end date for the Abu Dhabi–Jeddah and Abu Dhabi–Dammam cancellations.

Qatar Airways said it was "temporarily" suspending flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam. No end date or list of specific cancelled services was given for the Qatar Airways routes.

Why is this happening?

The suspensions come amid escalating fighting between Yemen's Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The group has targeted several airports in the kingdom, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

What this means for travellers

Passengers booked on Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam, or on Qatar Airways services to and from Riyadh and Dammam, should check directly with their airline whether their flight is operating. Only the Abu Dhabi–Riyadh suspension has a stated end date, of 19 October; no dates were given for the other routes.

The source does not say whether the airlines are rebooking affected passengers or offering refunds, and it gives no information on alternative routes between the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.