Several international airlines have cancelled or suspended flights to Saudi Arabia and neighbouring destinations following deadly weekend attacks on Riyadh airport by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.
The disruptions add to widespread aviation challenges across the region since the Iran conflict began, with carriers extending flight suspensions and postponing the resumption of services.
A Notice to Airmen issued on Monday indicated that Riyadh airport would remain closed until October 17.
Among the affected carriers, airlines owned by the German group have cancelled all flights to Riyadh until October 16, while Air France-KLM has extended its suspension of services to and from the Saudi capital until the end of October.
Etihad Airways has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia until October 13.
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has extended cancellations on routes to Riyadh and Dammam until October 15. Air India has also extended the suspension of flights to and from Riyadh until October 15, while budget carrier Akasa Air has suspended services to Jeddah and Riyadh until October 13.
Philippine Airlines has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Riyadh until November 29.
Meanwhile, Bahrain’s flag carrier, Gulf Air, cancelled flights to and from Riyadh from October 12 to October 17.
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific has postponed the resumption of its Hong Kong-Dubai and Hong Kong-Riyadh routes until January 31, 2027.
US carrier Delta Air Lines also announced on Monday that it would delay its planned flight from Atlanta to Riyadh until March 2027.
The cancellations and extended suspensions reflect the continuing impact of regional security concerns on international air travel, with airlines adjusting schedules as disruptions persist.
Boluwatife Enome
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