Riyadh airport closure extended as airlines suspend flights

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport is expected to remain closed until 17 October following missile and drone attacks, as international airlines extend flight suspensions and cancellations across Saudi Arabia.

The airport has been shut since attacks on 10 and 11 October, which reportedly killed 14 people and injured more than 300.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on 12 October extended the closure until 21:00 GMT on Saturday 17 October, although the resumption of operations remains subject to safety assessments.

The disruption has affected international connections between Saudi Arabia, Europe, Asia, and other major aviation markets, with several carriers suspending services beyond the airport’s anticipated reopening.

Air France-KLM has suspended Riyadh services until the end of October, while Philippine Airlines has extended its suspension until 29 November. Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh until 19 October, and Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended services involving Riyadh and Dammam.

Other airlines, including Lufthansa Group, Air India, and IndiGo, have also announced cancellations or changes to their Saudi Arabia schedules.

The disruption extends beyond Riyadh, with services involving Jeddah and Dammam also affected, although other Saudi airports have not been subject to the same blanket closure.

Aviation safety concerns have prompted additional scrutiny of regional flight operations, with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issuing warnings concerning Saudi airspace.

The airport’s reopening remains dependent on security conditions and operational readiness, while airlines continue to review their schedules.