UAE airlines extend flight cancellations amid US-Israel military alerts against Iran

UAE residents face continued travel disruptions and heightened regional security alerts on Wednesday, 28 October, as the United States and Israel weigh renewed military operations against Iran. Reports from the Wall Street Journal and CNN indicate that U.S. forces are prepared to launch combat operations within 96 hours of an order, though officials suggest a final decision may follow the U.S. midterm elections on 3 November. Airlines cancel Saudi and regional routes Major UAE carriers have extended flight cancellations following ongoing security volatility. Etihad Airways has cancelled all services from Abu Dhabi to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah through 5 November. Emirates has similarly suspended its Dubai-Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah routes, though flights to Medina remain operational. Flydubai has suspended flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Abha until 29 October. International carriers are also affected, with Lufthansa suspending Riyadh services until 18 November and Philippine Airlines halting flights to the Saudi capital until 29 November. The U.S. Mission confirmed that Riyadh airport partially reopened on 23 October, with some operations diverted to Qassim. Meanwhile, the Emirates-flydubai codeshare to Tel Aviv remains suspended following a security incident involving flight FZ1073 on 30 September. Missile interceptions and maritime risks Security risks intensified on Tuesday, 27 October, as Saudi Arabia intercepted five Houthi ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh and the…