Saudi Arabia and UAE Flight Chaos Deepens After Abha Airport Missile and Drone Attack as flydubai, Air Arabia and Saudia Suspend Routes, Gulf Aviation Faces New Security Crisis

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On Monday night, 13 July 2026, a missile and drone attack targeted Abha International Airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia, triggering major flight disruptions between Abha, Saudi Arabia, and key UAE aviation hubs including Dubai and Sharjah. The attack forced airlines to cancel scheduled services, suspend selected routes and closely monitor security conditions across one of the Gulf region’s important aviation corridors.

The incident created immediate travel disruption for passengers as Saudi and UAE carriers adjusted operations following the security alert. Flights operated by airlines including flydubai, Air Arabia and Saudia were affected, with cancellations reported on routes connecting Abha with Dubai, Sharjah and major Saudi cities. Although no casualties or serious airport damage were reported, the attack resulted in heightened aviation security measures and increased monitoring of regional airspace.

The strike represents the most significant breakdown in the fragile period of calm between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement since the 2022 United Nations-backed ceasefire efforts. The disruption comes at a sensitive time for Gulf tourism and aviation, as Abha continues to attract visitors to Saudi Arabia’s Asir region through its mountain scenery, cultural attractions and emerging tourism experiences. Airlines and authorities are now assessing when normal flight operations can safely resume while passengers remain advised to check updated schedules before travelling.

Abha Airport Attack Forces Airlines to Cancel Flights and Review Operations

Abha International Airport became the centre of regional aviation disruption after it was targeted by multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles late Monday night. Saudi defence systems responded to the incoming threats over the southern region, preventing major damage and avoiding casualties. However, the security situation forced airlines to reassess flight operations at one of Saudi Arabia’s key regional airports.

Flight tracking data showed that at least 10 scheduled departures from Abha were cancelled on Tuesday following the attack. Both domestic and international services were affected as carriers prioritised passenger safety.

Abha Airport serves as an important entry point for travellers visiting Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, known for its mountain landscapes, heritage villages and nature tourism attractions. Any prolonged disruption could affect tourism movement, business travel and regional connectivity.

UAE Airlines Suspend Abha Services as Dubai and Sharjah Connections Face Disruption

The impact quickly spread beyond Saudi Arabia, affecting flights between the UAE and southwestern Saudi Arabia. Dubai-based flydubai suspended its scheduled services between Dubai International Airport Terminal 2 and Abha International Airport. Two outbound flights from Dubai, originally planned for 10:25 AM and 4:05 PM, were cancelled.

Return services from Abha to Dubai were also suspended, including:

• flydubai Flight FZ815 scheduled at 12:15 PM
• flydubai Flight FZ811 scheduled at 5:55 PM

Sharjah-based Air Arabia also cancelled flight G9195, which was scheduled to depart Abha for Sharjah International Airport at 2:25 PM. The cancellations affected passengers travelling between the UAE and Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, family visits and onward international connections. Dubai and Sharjah airports play a major role as regional aviation hubs, meaning disruptions on Gulf routes can quickly influence wider travel networks.

Airlines are continuing to monitor the security situation and are adjusting schedules based on operational assessments and government aviation guidance.

Yemen Airport Strike Triggers New Escalation Across Regional Airspace

The Abha Airport attack followed a rapid escalation involving Yemen’s aviation infrastructure. The latest tensions began after Sana’a International Airport became involved in a dispute linked to a direct flight between Yemen and Tehran. The flight, reportedly carrying Houthi officials and injured passengers travelling to Iran, was considered a major aviation development after years of limited air connectivity between Yemen and Iran.

Following the aircraft movement, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces targeted Sana’a airport’s runway in an effort to prevent the aircraft from returning and landing there. The aircraft later diverted to Hodeidah. The Houthi movement responded by declaring that the incident ended the previous period of reduced tensions. The group launched missiles and drones towards Saudi Arabia, targeting Abha International Airport.

The sequence of events developed rapidly:

UN Security Council Holds Emergency Meeting as Gulf Travel Risks Increase

The escalation prompted an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council as international concerns grew over a possible wider regional conflict. The discussions focused on preventing further military escalation and maintaining regional stability. The United Nations highlighted the risks of renewed confrontation affecting civilians, transportation infrastructure and economic activity.

For the aviation industry, Gulf stability remains critical because airports across Saudi Arabia and the UAE connect millions of travellers between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

A prolonged security situation could lead to:

• Additional flight cancellations
• Longer aircraft routing around affected airspace
• Increased travel delays
• Changes to regional flight schedules

Airlines operating in the Gulf continue to monitor airspace developments closely while maintaining safety procedures for passengers and crew.

Travellers Advised to Check Flight Status Before Visiting Airports

Passengers holding tickets between the UAE and southwestern Saudi Arabia are advised to confirm their flight status before travelling to airports. Travellers should check updates through airline websites and mobile applications operated by carriers including flydubai, Air Arabia and Saudia. Airlines are communicating directly with affected passengers through SMS, email notifications and digital travel platforms. Depending on individual airline policies, affected travellers may receive alternative booking options, travel credits or schedule adjustments.

The Abha Airport attack has created immediate disruption for Gulf aviation, highlighting the vulnerability of regional travel networks to sudden security developments. While most international routes across the Gulf continue operating, flights connected to Abha remain affected as airlines and authorities evaluate the situation. The coming days will be closely watched by the aviation and tourism sectors as airlines prepare to restore normal schedules while responding to evolving regional security conditions.