Emirates flights
Etihad and Emirates temporary suspend flights to Saudi Arabia. Credit: RussellHarryLee.

Two major United Arab Emirates (UAE) carriers Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline have temporarily suspended passenger flights to Saudi Arabia.

The suspension is in line with new measures issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The restrictions will not affect Saudi nationals and citizens, diplomats, health practitioners, and their families.

The suspension will be effective from 3 February.

In its official website, Etihad said: “Effective 3 February 21 pm Saudi time, you will not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia if you are travelling from or have been in any of the following countries in the past 14 days: Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, US, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India, Japan.”

In addition to Etihad, Emirates posted an official update notifying that non‑Saudi national passengers will not be accepted on flights from Dubai to Saudi Arabia until further notice.

In a statement, Emirates said: “Customers, holding tickets with final destinations in Saudi Arabia, will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin. Exemptions are diplomatic passport holders and health practitioners and their families.

“We regret the inconvenience caused, and affected customers should contact their booking agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking options.”

On 29 January, Emirates suspended passenger services between Dubai and all its UK points.