On Saturday evening, flight monitoring website Flightradar24 reported more than 40 per cent of all flights on Saturday from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport were cancelled, with major disruption ongoing.
Following a week of attacks on airports, several international airlines had already halted operations to the kingdom. Lufthansa confirmed it was suspending flights to Riyadh until at least 16 October, while Air India said it was suspending flights to the capital until 10 October. Several other international airlines, including British Airways and Cathay Pacific, had already suspended flight routes to the kingdom.
Flights to and from Jeddah are operating as normal, but the situation is more serious in the south. The country’s aviation regulator confirmed on Tuesday, 6 October, that King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan and Najran International Airport were hit in attacks on Monday evening. GACA said emergency teams responded immediately and that authorities were assessing the damage and taking measures to protect passengers, staff and civil aviation operations.
Travellers using airports in Saudi Arabia should check directly with their airline before travelling.
The US embassy in Riyadh has warned that the attacks could lead to further flight cancellations, while the UK Foreign Office warns that authorities may temporarily close airports near the Saudi-Yemen border. More broadly, it advises British nationals in the Middle East to be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures and other disruption.
What happened at Saudi Arabia’s airports this week?
The Houthis announced a series of missile and drone operations against Saudi Arabia on Monday, 5, Tuesday, 6, Wednesday, 7 and Thursday, 8 October. The rebel group is yet to claim responsibility for Saturday’s attack. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Abha International Airport, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan and Najran International Airport were all targeted in drone and missile attacks, leaving six dead and dozens more injured.
It comes after Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces launched a major new offensive against Houthi-controlled territory around the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, with Saudi-led air power supporting operations inside the country.
Are Saudi Arabia’s hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions open?
Yes. Hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and tourist attractions remain open, and many major events are also continuing.
Some major international events have nevertheless been affected by the wider regional situation. The Red Sea International Film Festival, which had been scheduled to take place in Jeddah in December 2026, has been postponed until the fourth quarter of 2027. Organisers said the decision followed a review of a range of considerations, including the logistical requirements involved in staging an international event of its scale. Soundstorm festival, due to take place in Riyadh on December 3 and 4, has also been cancelled.
What is the Saudi government’s latest advice?
Saudi authorities have continued to issue emergency warnings during missile and drone threats. During emergency alerts, Saudi Civil Defence advises people in affected areas to remain indoors, stay away from windows and glass, avoid open areas and follow official instructions. Travellers should not gather to observe an incident or photograph or film military activity, interceptions or their aftermath.
What are worldwide governments advising?
United Kingdom: The Foreign Office updated its advice on Thursday, 8 October, warning against all but essential travel to parts of Saudi Arabia, including Aseer, Riyadh, Najran, Jizan, Taif city and Taif International Airport, as well as anywhere within 10 kilometres of the border with Yemen. “British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruption,” the update states. On Saturday, 10 October, it warned British nationals to avoid Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
Source: www.cntravellerme.com
