Flights linking Dubai and Sharjah with Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport were canceled after a Houthi missile and drone attack, raising fresh regional security and travel concerns.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS
Air travelers between the UAE and Saudi Arabia experienced major disruptions on Tuesday after flights to and from Abha International Airport were canceled following a missile and drone attack claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement.
Among the affected services were flights operated by Air Arabia and flydubai connecting Sharjah and Dubai with the southern Saudi city. The cancellations came after the overnight attack on Abha International Airport, which authorities said caused operational disruptions but resulted in no reported casualties.
According to airline schedules, flydubai canceled two outbound flights from Dubai International Airport to Abha, scheduled for 10:25 a.m. and 4:05 p.m. Return services from Abha to Dubai were also suspended.
Air Arabia also canceled its scheduled Abha-to-Sharjah flight, G9195, which was due to depart at 2:25 p.m., leaving passengers to seek alternative travel arrangements.
Multiple domestic Saudi flights were also affected
Flight tracking data showed that at least 10 departures from Abha were canceled during the day, including several domestic flights operated by Saudia and flyadeal.
Saudia suspended multiple services to Riyadh and Jeddah, while flyadeal canceled two scheduled flights to Jeddah. The widespread cancellations highlighted the immediate operational impact of the attack on one of Saudi Arabia’s key regional airports.
Airlines are expected to continue monitoring the security situation before restoring normal operations.
Regional tensions rise
The strike on Abha came only hours after attacks targeted Sanaa International Airport in Yemen, signaling a sharp escalation in tensions after several years of relative calm between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
The Associated Press reported that no injuries or fatalities were recorded in the Abha attack.
The incident has renewed concerns about aviation safety and regional security, particularly for airlines operating across the Gulf.
UN urges restraint
The growing confrontation prompted the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency session, where officials warned that further military escalation could destabilize the wider Middle East.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Khaled Khiari urged all parties to return to dialogue, warning that neither Yemen nor the broader region could afford another cycle of conflict.
For UAE residents planning travel to or from southern Saudi Arabia, airlines have advised passengers to check the latest flight status before leaving for the airport, as schedules may continue to change depending on the evolving security situation.
