UAE Airlines Cancel Saudi Flights After Riyadh Airport Attack, Issuing Travel Advisories
Major UAE airlines announced widespread cancellations and schedule changes on October 11 following an attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation said the airport was struck on October 10, a projectile hit a terminal and started a fire, and operations were temporarily suspended for damage assessment and safety checks. Saudi authorities reported 12 fatalities and 309 injuries.
Emirates cancelled multiple Dubai–Riyadh services for October 11 and 12, with Dammam, Jeddah and Medina routes also affected. Etihad Airways cancelled Abu Dhabi–Riyadh flights including EY555, EY556, EY559 and EY560 through October 12. Both carriers issued travel advisories listing the affected flights and rebooking arrangements.
flydubai and Sharjah-based Air Arabia also suspended or adjusted select Saudi routes, with Air Arabia cancelling services from Sharjah to Riyadh, Abha and Dammam among others and retiming some flights. Airlines notified affected passengers by text message and email and assisted with rebooking.
Flight data showed nearly all scheduled flights at Riyadh were cancelled on October 11. For the heavy flow of business travellers, pilgrims and family visitors between the UAE and Saudi Arabia — including Chinese merchants active in both markets — the cancellations were the most immediate everyday consequence of the regional security situation.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 阿联酋航空客机实景，摄影：Aeroprints.com，CC BY-SA 3.0，来源：Wikimedia Commons（File:A6-EAM Airbus A330 Emirates (7419239388).jpg）
