The forecast follows a near-total suspension of operations on the previous day, when the airport cancelled 99.7% of scheduled flights. The disruption followed deadly attacks over the weekend. One incident killed one person and injured 11 others, while another attack claimed 13 lives and injured more than 300 people. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the latter attack.
Regional airlines suspend services
Middle Eastern carriers, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia, have cancelled flights from Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi until October 12. With Riyadh airport remaining closed through October 11, airlines have advised passengers to check their bookings regularly. Further cancellations may affect services during the coming week.
Etihad Airways told customers: “The situation remains dynamic and further changes are possible”.
European carriers extend flight suspensions
Air France, KLM and British Airways have introduced wider suspensions affecting flights to Riyadh from European capitals. KLM has not operated flights to Riyadh and Dammam since February 2024, following earlier security risks associated with the US-Israeli strike on Iran. The airline’s services from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport remain suspended until October 24.
Air France had planned to resume flights to Riyadh on October 27, while British Airways had scheduled a restart for November 3. Recent regional escalation has raised uncertainty over both plans.
Lufthansa has postponed the resumption of its Riyadh routes until October 15, following Houthi attacks earlier in the month.
British Airways resumed services to Doha earlier this year. However, routes to Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv remain suspended.
Asian airlines also adjust schedules
Air India and Cathay Pacific have suspended flights to Riyadh until October 15 and November 3, respectively. Scoot, the low-cost carrier owned by Singapore Airlines, has also suspended flights between Singapore and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah until December 2.
