|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
What happened
Air operations at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport were suspended after Houthi attacks damaged terminal areas and prompted authorities to halt flights. Saudi aviation regulators have extended the suspension while safety assessments continue.
How air travel is affected
Major regional carriers have announced cancellations and schedule changes. Several airlines based in the UAE and other regional hubs suspended services to Riyadh; at least one carrier has said cancellations will run through October 19. Reports from multiple outlets show hundreds of cancellations across Saudi airports, with some aggregators putting the total close to 1,500 cancelled sectors as disruptions spread to other hubs.
Who may be affected
Passengers booked to or through Riyadh are the most directly affected. Disruptions are also hitting flights to other Saudi airports and connections across the Gulf, affecting travellers on Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, major Indian carriers and other international airlines that operate Saudi routes.
Why travellers should care
Extended airport suspensions can strand connecting passengers, delay business trips and complicate onward travel plans. Countries have issued heightened travel warnings for Saudi Arabia, and airlines are adjusting networks while authorities assess airport safety.
What to check next
Confirm your flight status with your airline or travel provider before going to the airport. Check official updates from Saudi aviation authorities for changes to operational status, and review any travel advisories from your government. If you have urgent travel, contact your carrier about rebooking, refunds or alternative routings, and review insurance or credit-card travel protections.
Practical tip
If you are already in Saudi Arabia, follow local official guidance and the instructions of airport and airline staff. If you are abroad with imminent travel to the kingdom, postpone non-essential trips until operations are confirmed as resumed.
What to do next: Search flights on OptionTrip.
OptionTrip is your personal travel partner for planning, comparing and organizing your journey.
Reporting reviewed from: The New Arab, Al Jazeera, The National, Business Travel News Europe, Anadolu Ajansı, Travel Daily News International, VnExpress International, Gulf Business, Condé Nast Traveller Middle East, TheStreet, Arabian Business, Travel and Leisure Asia, Getaway Magazine, Rus Tourism News, NewsCord, CNBC TV18, Gulf News, Time Out Riyadh.