Airlines Suspend Riyadh Flights After Airport Attacks Trigger Regional Travel Disruption

Airlines have suspended and adjusted flights to Saudi Arabia following a series of attacks targeting airports in Riyadh and Abha, raising security concerns across the region and disrupting international air travel.

Germany’s Lufthansa Group and Indian carriers IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air have announced cancellations affecting services to and from Riyadh as airlines respond to the deteriorating security situation.

According to Reuters, Lufthansa Group suspended its Riyadh services through October 16, while IndiGo initially cancelled flights through October 9. Air India and Akasa Air also cancelled services through October 10, with some flights affected by the disruptions returning to their departure airports.

The suspensions followed reported missile attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for an attack on the Saudi capital, although Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the group’s account of the latest strike. Saudi officials also reported fatalities and injuries following attacks affecting Riyadh and Abha airports.

Air Arabia suspends additional services

The disruption has also affected airlines operating between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Air Arabia has suspended flights from Sharjah to Riyadh for October 10 and 11. The airline has also cancelled a service to Tabuk scheduled for October 11 and flights between Abu Dhabi and Abha on October 10 and 11.

Services were expected to resume on October 12, subject to further operational updates and the security situation. Other regional carriers have also reported cancellations affecting Saudi destinations.

Passengers urged to check flight status

The disruption highlights how rapidly changing security conditions can affect airline schedules, airport operations and passenger connections across the Middle East.

Travellers with bookings to Riyadh, Abha or Tabuk should verify their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport. Passengers whose services have been cancelled should contact their airline or travel agent regarding rebooking, refunds and alternative travel arrangements.

Airlines continue to monitor developments and may adjust their schedules as new information becomes available.

For passengers, the priority remains staying informed through official airline communications and allowing for possible changes to travel plans as the regional situation develops.

Flytechnews will continue to follow developments affecting airline operations and international travel across the Middle East.