flydubai Saudi flights: Riyadh, Abha suspended until 16 November
flydubai has reopened bookings on several Saudi routes, but Riyadh and Abha stay suspended until 16 November. Here is what Dubai passengers should check before they travel.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
flydubai Saudi flights are returning on some routes, but Riyadh and Abha are still suspended until 16 November, according to Gulf News and the airline's booking platform. For UAE residents with work trips, interviews or family plans in Saudi Arabia, that means some journeys can be booked again now, while 2 major destinations still need to wait.
According to Gulf News, flydubai has resumed bookings for Jeddah, Gassim, Ha'il and Tabuk. Dammam is showing availability from 10 November, while Riyadh and Abha are showing services again from 17 November after the current suspension ends.
flydubai Saudi flights: which routes are available now
As of 6 November, the airline's website and booking system showed this position for Dubai to Saudi Arabia flights:
| Route | Status shown |
|---|---|
| Jeddah | Bookable |
| Gassim | Bookable |
| Ha'il | Bookable |
| Tabuk | Bookable |
| Dammam | Available from 10 November |
| Riyadh | Suspended until 16 November inclusive, bookings shown from 17 November |
| Abha | Suspended until 16 November inclusive, bookings shown from 17 November |
One important point from the source: if a destination is not showing availability, that does not automatically mean the route has been formally cancelled or suspended. Passengers should check directly with flydubai for the latest operating information.
If you are planning a wider trip from Dubai, it may also help to check local airport travel costs, including Dubai Taxi Fares: The Cheapest Times to Book and When Prices Jump.
Why Riyadh and Abha flights are still suspended
The disruption follows a series of Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure, according to Gulf News. The report says King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport were targeted, leading to deaths and injuries.
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation, cited by Gulf News, said 2 people were killed and 28 injured during the 6 to 7 October attacks on Abha International Airport.
Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was then targeted between 7 October and 11 October. GACA confirmed casualties in separate incidents, including 3 Saudi nationals killed in the 9 October attacks.
The 10 October attack was reported as the deadliest. GACA first confirmed 12 deaths and 309 injuries, and the toll later rose. On 4 November, the Indian Embassy confirmed the death of another Indian national who had been injured in that attack. Gulf News said that followed an earlier confirmation of another Indian national's death, taking the reported toll from that incident to 14.
Fresh alerts were also issued on 5 November in Yanbu and Sharurah, although Saudi Civil Defence later said the danger had passed without saying what caused the warnings. The Saudi-led coalition also said a ballistic missile launched towards the Medina region was intercepted, and a drone was intercepted over the Eastern Province.
What the flydubai Saudi flights update means for UAE residents
For Dubai workers who travel to Saudi Arabia for meetings, projects or short-notice assignments, the split schedule matters. Jeddah and several other routes are back on sale, but Riyadh and Abha remain unavailable until after 16 November.
If your employer has asked you to travel to Riyadh or Abha, the safest reading of the current schedule is simple: there is no service until 16 November inclusive, and the booking platform shows flights again from 17 November. If your trip is to Dammam, the earliest availability shown is 10 November.
This is also worth noting for job seekers travelling for interviews or onboarding. If your plans depend on Saudi travel, keep checking for changes and keep your employer or recruiter updated. If you are also watching the UAE hiring market, UAE firms ramp up temporary hiring as project work grows gives a useful snapshot of current demand.
What passengers should do now
A few practical checks can save time and rebooking stress:
- Check your exact destination on flydubai's website before leaving for the airport.
- If you need Riyadh or Abha, note that the airline has confirmed cancellations up to and including 16 November.
- If you need Dammam, the booking platform shows availability from 10 November.
- If your journey is time-sensitive for work, tell your employer or client what route availability looks like now.
- If you are driving in from another emirate, factor in local road issues too, especially Dubai to Sharjah Emirates Road closures run nightly until Nov 15.
If you work in aviation, travel or airport services, you can also browse current openings on JobXDubai Jobs.
Key takeaway
flydubai is reopening some Saudi routes from Dubai, but Riyadh and Abha remain suspended until 16 November inclusive. For now, passengers should rely on direct checks with the airline, especially if their travel is tied to work deadlines or fixed appointments.
FAQ
Is flydubai flying to Riyadh now?
No. According to the airline update cited by Gulf News, flydubai flights to Riyadh are cancelled until 16 November inclusive. The booking platform shows services returning from 17 November.
When will flydubai resume Abha flights?
The current position is the same as Riyadh. Abha remains suspended until 16 November inclusive, with bookings shown again from 17 November.
Which Saudi routes can I book on flydubai from Dubai?
As of 6 November, Jeddah, Gassim, Ha'il and Tabuk were available for booking. Dammam was showing availability from 10 November.
Why were some flydubai Saudi flights suspended?
The changes followed attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure, including airports in Riyadh and Abha, according to Gulf News. Saudi Arabia's GACA confirmed deaths and injuries in October incidents.
Does no booking availability always mean a route is cancelled?
No. The source says the absence of booking availability does not necessarily mean a route has been formally cancelled or suspended. Passengers should check directly with flydubai for the latest operating information.
Further reading
The UAE week, every Monday
The week's stories on jobs, visas, money and daily life in one short email. Unsubscribe in one click.
