Travel Flight News

Published: October 19, 2026 | Flight Disruption Update

Etihad Airways has extended the cancellation of selected flights between Abu Dhabi and three Saudi Arabian cities until Saturday, October 24, 2026, according to reports published on October 18 and 19.

The affected destinations are Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. The airline has advised passengers to check their individual flight status before travelling, as schedules may change depending on the regional situation.

Which Etihad Flights Are Affected?

According to the latest reports available on October 19, the disruption affects the following routes:

These notices concern specific routes and services. They do not mean that all Etihad Airways flights or all flights to Saudi Arabia have been cancelled.

Why Have the Flights Been Cancelled?

The airline has cited regional disruption. The cancellations follow security incidents affecting aviation operations in Saudi Arabia earlier in October, which prompted several airlines to review their schedules.

Airlines may adjust routes, suspend services or change departure times as operational and security assessments develop. Passengers should rely on current airline notices rather than assume that an earlier schedule remains valid.

What Should Affected Passengers Do?

Travellers with bookings between Abu Dhabi and the affected Saudi cities should take the following steps:

• Check the flight status on Etihad's official website.
• Check email and text messages for booking updates.
• Contact the airline or travel agent to discuss rebooking or refund options.
• Do not travel to the airport based solely on an old itinerary.
• Keep booking confirmations and any cancellation notifications.

Can Passengers Request a Refund or Rebooking?

Passengers whose flights have been cancelled should contact Etihad Airways or the agency through which they booked. Available options depend on the ticket conditions, the airline's current disruption policy and the circumstances of the booking.

Ask the airline to confirm the available alternatives before purchasing a replacement ticket. Keep receipts and written communications if additional travel expenses arise.

Passengers should not assume that compensation is automatically available. Eligibility depends on the applicable rules and the reason for the disruption.

Will More Flights Be Affected?

The situation remains subject to change, and further schedule adjustments are possible. The reported cancellation deadline of October 24 should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every service will resume immediately afterward.

Passengers planning travel between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia should check their flight again close to departure and follow official airline announcements.

Sources and Updates

• Etihad Airways – Official Flight Status
• ARN News Centre – Cancellation Extension Report
• Gulf News – Etihad Flight Disruption Update