October 13 – International airlines are canceling flights to Saudi Arabia after deadly weekend Riyadh airport attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis. A Notice to Airmen confirms that King Khalid International Airport will remain closed until October 17. These measures compound wider flight disruptions in the region that intensified since the Iran conflict started.
Lufthansa Group cancelled all flights to Riyadh until October 16. Air France-KLM extended its suspension of services to and from the Saudi capital until the end of the month. Etihad Airways suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia until October 13. IndiGo extended cancellations on routes to Riyadh and Dammam until October 15, while Akasa Air halted flights to Jeddah and Riyadh until October 13. Gulf Air cancelled flights to and from Riyadh from October 12 to October 17.
The cascade of flight cancellations highlights growing operational risks for airlines serving Saudi Arabia after the Riyadh airport attacks. Passengers face significant schedule changes and limited options as carriers prioritize safety. Authorities continue assessing damage and readiness at the airport.
Travelers should monitor airline advisories closely for updates on the resumption of services following these Riyadh airport attacks. The events underscore the vulnerability of key aviation hubs in the region to security threats.