UAE airlines adjust schedules as regional tensions impact Riyadh flights

Tensions remain high across the Middle East on Monday, 26 October, marking Day 240 of the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. While US President Donald Trump ruled out an immediate strike on Tehran late on Sunday, 25 October, he warned that military action remains possible if diplomatic efforts fail. The situation is further complicated by upcoming Israeli elections on Tuesday, 27 October, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of potential Iranian-backed attempts to disrupt the vote. Aviation disruptions and airport closures Regional travel remains heavily impacted following Houthi ballistic missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. Saudi forces intercepted a missile targeting Riyadh on Sunday, 25 October, a day after explosions were reported in the capital. While Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) officially reopened Terminals 1 and 2 on Sunday, flight-tracking data indicates that most scheduled departures remain cancelled. The Houthi movement has declared the airport remains a target. UAE-based carriers including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia have adjusted or cancelled services to Saudi Arabia, with some suspensions extending into December. Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam or Riyadh through 5 November. Conversely, European connectivity is improving; Lufthansa resumed Dubai-Frankfurt services on Monday, 26 October, and Aegean Airlines has restarted flights between Athens and Dubai. Energy markets and…