What has been announced
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reopened on Sunday 18 October after a closure that followed attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, The National reported. Several airlines have nevertheless extended their suspensions of flights to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
For Air France, Time Out Dubai has reported since 16 October that the Paris-Dubai route is suspended up to and including Saturday 31 October, after an extension. Arabian Business gives the same date in its 21 October update and says Riyadh flights are suspended up to and including 7 November. The travel blog Wego, updated on 19 October, gives 31 October for both destinations. The sources therefore disagree on Riyadh, and the dates have already changed several times.
KLM and other European airlines
KLM has cancelled flights to Riyadh and Dammam until 31 October, according to The National, and is not flying to Dubai up to and including 24 October, according to Time Out Dubai. British Airways plans to return to Riyadh and Dubai from 3 November. The Lufthansa Group is gradually restarting Dubai from late October but keeps Riyadh suspended until 18 November, Arabian Business reported.
According to Wego, Air France is contacting affected customers individually. Passengers who booked through a travel agent or an online booking site should first contact that seller about ticket changes. Check your flight status before leaving for the airport, as dates may still change.
Cancelled flight to the Middle East: your rights
EU Regulation 261/2004 covers Air France flights from Paris and return flights operated by Air France from Dubai or Riyadh. If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer a refund or rerouting and, if you are already at the airport, care: meals, refreshments and a hotel if you need to stay overnight. Keep your receipts.
Compensation of €250, €400 or €600 is in principle not due when a flight is cancelled because of a security risk, which counts as an extraordinary circumstance. It is not due either when the cancellation was announced more than 14 days before departure. Each case still depends on the facts, especially if a flight is cancelled or heavily delayed for another reason.
Frequently asked questions
Is Air France flying to Dubai at the moment?
No. According to Time Out Dubai and Arabian Business, Air France flights to Dubai are suspended up to and including 31 October 2026. Check your booking, as the restart date may still change.
My flight to Riyadh was cancelled: am I entitled to compensation?
A refund or rerouting is due in every case. Compensation depends on the cause and on when the cancellation was announced. VolClaim checks your eligibility for free.
Sources
- Dubai and Saudi flight cancellations: Latest suspensions and Lufthansa Group restart dates — Arabian Business (20 octobre 2026, mis à jour le 21 octobre)
- These 17 airlines have suspended flights to Dubai — Time Out Dubai (16 octobre 2026)
- Riyadh airport reopens: Which airlines are still cancelling flights to Saudi Arabia? — The National (19 octobre 2026, mis à jour le 20 octobre)
- Air France Flight Status (October 2026): Riyadh and Dubai Flights Suspended Until 31 October — Wego Travel Blog (19 octobre 2026)
News written by the VolClaim editorial team, a service operated by TETRIS GROUP LLC, based on the sources cited. Information may change: always check your flight status with the airline.
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