UAE carriers suspend Saudi flights until further notice

Starting today, all flights between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will remain suspended until further notice.

Both Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline have updated their online travel advisories to help impacted passengers make necessary amendments to their itineraries.

The suspension, which will come into effect from 23:00 KSA local time on July 4, is based on directives issued by the government of Saudi Arabia, the carriers added.

On Saturday, the Kingdom's Ministry of Interior announced the decision to suspend travel, without prior permission, to and from the UAE, Ethiopia and Vietnam, over growing concerns about new coronavirus variants.

Etihad said, "this is an evolving situation and is working closely with impacted guests to notify them of the changes to their itineraries".

Emirates said it is operating additional services to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam today to help UAE Nationals and residents return safely, and also support passengers get back to KSA.

In light of announced travel restrictions, Emirates is operating extra flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam today, 4 July to support those affected get back to KSA, and enable UAE Nationals and residents currently in the Kingdom to safely return to the UAE. pic.twitter.com/4wt292FQaF

— Emirates (@emirates) July 4, 2021