Etihad Extends Saudi Flight Halts as Dubai Rolls Out New Visa System
Etihad Airways has extended flight cancellations on selected routes to Saudi Arabia through November 5, as security tensions cause ongoing schedule disruptions across Dubai International, Dubai World Central, Abu Dhabi International, and Sharjah airports. Operating carriers including Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia face recurring delays on services connecting to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah, forcing regional travelers and international commuters to adjust travel plans.
European Carriers Delay Resumptions While Dubai Opens Online Visa Access
Tourists can submit applications for single-entry and multiple-entry visas directly through the Visit Dubai website starting this month, with applications assessed and issued by GDRFA Dubai. The emirate also introduced the invitation-only Dubai Access Club to provide exclusive benefits for repeat visitors, launching the incentive programs as October departing seat capacity reached 7.2 million.
Long-haul carriers continue to alter their schedules, with Singapore Airlines extending the suspension of its SQ494 and SQ495 Dubai services until February 28, 2027. European airlines are shifting resumption targets separately: Lufthansa delayed its return date to November 25, ITA Airways suspended flights until November 30, and SWISS alongside Eurowings await revised dates. British Airways plans to resume Dubai operations, targeting up to 36 weekly Dubai-Europe flights between late October and December.
The flight alterations follow persistent airspace disruptions across Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Yemen, and Gaza that have repeatedly forced international airlines to revise flight corridors across the Middle East.
