SINGAPORE— Singapore Airlines (SQ) has extended the suspension of its flights between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Dubai International Airport (DXB) until October 24, 2026, citing the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The latest decision means the carrier’s Dubai route will remain inactive for nearly eight months before a planned return at the start of the northern winter schedule.
The airline has also postponed the launch of its new Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) service from September to December 1, 2026.
In addition, Singapore Airlines has reduced the planned Riyadh operation from four weekly flights to three, reflecting a more cautious approach as uncertainty continues across the region.
Singapore Airlines Extends Dubai Suspension
Singapore Airlines confirmed that flights SQ494 and SQ495 will remain suspended through October 24, extending an earlier advisory that had already delayed multiple restart attempts this year.
The carrier initially halted Dubai operations in late February following widespread disruptions to Middle East airspace. Since then, several planned resumptions have been postponed as regional conditions remained unstable.
When services eventually resume on October 25, the airline plans to deploy its two-class Airbus A350-900 Medium Haul instead of the Airbus A380 that had previously been scheduled for the route.
The aircraft features Business Class and Economy Class cabins only, meaning passengers traveling between Singapore and Dubai will not have access to First Class or Premium Economy until at least late March 2027, provided current schedules remain unchanged.
Although Singapore Airlines currently lists the Airbus A380 for the route from March 28, 2027, booking availability indicates the Boeing 777-300ER could ultimately operate the service instead.
The airline has not officially confirmed any future aircraft changes beyond the published schedule.
Riyadh Launch Delayed Until December
Singapore Airlines has also revised its long-awaited return to Saudi Arabia’s capital by postponing the launch of Riyadh flights to December 1, 2026.
The route was originally scheduled to begin in June before being pushed to September. The latest adjustment represents a total six-month delay to the airline’s planned return to Riyadh after more than a decade.
Alongside the revised launch date, Singapore Airlines has reduced the planned frequency from four weekly flights to three. Saturday services have been removed from the winter schedule, lowering available capacity by approximately 25%.
The Riyadh route will also be operated using the Airbus A350-900 Medium Haul, offering regional Business Class seats and Economy Class throughout the winter season.
Current schedules indicate the airline intends to restore four weekly flights from late March 2027, although future changes remain possible depending on operational conditions.
Middle East Expansion Strategy
The latest schedule adjustments highlight the ongoing challenges airlines face when operating in the Middle East amid persistent geopolitical uncertainty.
Singapore Airlines has repeatedly modified its network plans throughout 2026 as regional tensions affected flight operations and passenger demand. The Dubai suspension has now been extended several times since February, while the Riyadh launch has been delayed twice.
The airline is offering affected customers refunds or alternative travel arrangements for cancelled flights and continues to monitor developments before restoring normal operations.
For now, Singapore Airlines’ Middle East network will remain significantly smaller than originally planned for the 2026 winter season, with Dubai absent until late October and Riyadh operating at reduced capacity once service begins in December, Mainly Miles reported.
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