Travellers flying between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia should check their bookings before heading to the airport. Etihad Airways has cancelled all passenger and cargo flights to Riyadh and Dammam through November 19, 2026, as regional travel disruptions continue.
However, there is better news for passengers travelling to Jeddah. The airline has announced the resumption of selected services between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah from November 6.
The changes could affect travellers flying through Abu Dhabi, particularly those with connecting flights or multi-country travel plans involving India, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Here is what passengers need to know about the latest Etihad flight cancellations, affected routes and alternative travel arrangements.
Which Etihad Flights Are Cancelled Until November 19?
According to the airline’s latest travel advisory, all Etihad passenger and cargo services between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh or Dammam remain cancelled through Thursday, November 19, 2026.
The affected routes are:
| Flight route | Current status |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi to Riyadh | Cancelled through November 19 |
| Riyadh to Abu Dhabi | Cancelled through November 19 |
| Abu Dhabi to Dammam | Cancelled through November 19 |
| Dammam to Abu Dhabi | Cancelled through November 19 |
| Abu Dhabi to Jeddah | Selected services scheduled to operate from November 6 |
| Jeddah to Abu Dhabi | Selected services scheduled to operate from November 6 |
These cancellations affect Etihad’s services on the specified routes, not every airline operating between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The airline has also warned that further schedule changes are possible. Therefore, passengers should not assume that normal operations will automatically resume on November 20.
For the latest information, visit the official Etihad flight-status page.
Are Etihad Flights Between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah Operating?
While Riyadh and Dammam services remain suspended, Etihad has announced the resumption of four flights between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah from Friday, November 6.
The services are:
- EY601: Abu Dhabi to Jeddah
- EY602: Jeddah to Abu Dhabi
- EY603: Abu Dhabi to Jeddah
- EY604: Jeddah to Abu Dhabi
According to the airline, other scheduled services between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah are also expected to continue operating.
This is welcome news for travellers heading to Jeddah or using the city as part of a longer Saudi Arabia journey.
However, a scheduled resumption does not guarantee that every individual departure will operate without changes. Passengers should confirm their flight number, departure time and booking status directly with Etihad.
Why Has Etihad Cancelled Flights to Riyadh and Dammam?
The cancellations are linked to ongoing regional disruptions affecting aviation operations in parts of the Middle East.
Several airlines have adjusted their schedules in response to the changing security situation, with some routes experiencing extended suspensions.
Etihad has said that passenger and crew safety remains its priority. The airline continues to review its operations and may make further changes depending on developments.
For travellers, the important point is that flight schedules can change even after tickets have been issued.
Therefore, checking the latest airline advisory is particularly important for anyone planning to travel through the region in November.
What Should Passengers Do If Their Etihad Flight Is Cancelled?
If you have a confirmed booking to Riyadh or Dammam during the affected period, there are several practical steps you should take.
1. Check Your Booking Status
Visit Etihad’s Manage Booking page and enter your booking details.
Check whether the airline has cancelled your flight, offered an alternative or issued updated travel information.
2. Contact Etihad About Rebooking
Passengers whose flights have been cancelled should review the options provided by the airline.
Depending on the booking conditions and circumstances, alternative flights or refund options may be available.
If you booked through a travel agent, contact the agency as well, particularly if your itinerary includes flights operated by different airlines.
3. Review Your Connecting Flights
A cancelled flight between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia may affect other parts of your journey.
For example, travellers flying from India to Riyadh via Abu Dhabi should check whether their entire itinerary needs to be rearranged.
If separate tickets were purchased, contact each airline before making changes.
4. Check Hotels and Airport Transfers
If your arrival date changes, inform your hotel, airport transfer provider and tour operator as early as possible.
This can help avoid unnecessary waiting charges, missed pickups and problems with pre-booked activities.
Travelling Between India, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia
The disruption may also affect international visitors planning trips that combine India with destinations in the Middle East.
For example, a traveller may spend several days exploring Delhi, Agra and Jaipur before flying onward to Abu Dhabi or Saudi Arabia.
Although the cancellations specifically concern Etihad’s Riyadh and Dammam routes, connecting passengers may need to review their onward travel arrangements.
If you are planning a longer holiday, it is sensible to confirm international flights before finalising non-refundable hotels or sightseeing arrangements.
Travellers considering India can explore Tusk Travel’s private India tour packages, which can be customised around preferred travel dates and international flight schedules.
For those visiting India for the first time, our first-time India tours cover popular destinations and can help with planning a comfortable itinerary.
When Will Etihad Flights to Riyadh and Dammam Resume?
At present, Etihad has confirmed cancellations through November 19, 2026.
However, the airline has not guaranteed that all services will resume on November 20.
The situation remains subject to operational reviews and further announcements.
Passengers travelling after November 19 should continue monitoring their bookings rather than assuming that the published cancellation period confirms a restart date.
The most reliable source is Etihad’s official website, where passengers can check flight status and travel advisories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Etihad flights to Saudi Arabia cancelled?
No. Etihad has cancelled its passenger and cargo flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh or Dammam through November 19, 2026. Selected services to Jeddah were scheduled to resume from November 6, while other Jeddah services were expected to continue operating.
Can I get a refund if Etihad cancels my flight?
Passengers affected by cancellations may be offered rebooking or refund options, depending on the applicable booking conditions and airline policies. Check the options provided for your reservation through Etihad or your booking agent.
Are Etihad flights from India to Abu Dhabi cancelled?
The Riyadh and Dammam advisory does not announce a blanket cancellation of Etihad flights between India and Abu Dhabi. However, individual services and onward connections may still be affected by operational changes. Check each flight separately.
Will Etihad resume Riyadh flights on November 20?
Not necessarily. November 19 is the final date covered by the currently announced cancellation period. Etihad has warned that additional schedule changes remain possible, so passengers should wait for confirmation of their specific flight.
Final Travel Advice
If you are travelling between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia this November, check your flight status regularly and keep your contact information updated with the airline.
Travellers with connections, hotel reservations or organised tours should also inform their travel providers if their arrival plans change.
For official updates: Etihad Airways Flight Status and Travel Advisories.
Travel information is accurate according to the airline advisory available on November 10, 2026. Flight schedules may change without notice.
