FLIGHT ALERT | October 21, 2026

Flights to Saudi Arabia remain disrupted even after Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport reopened. Several international airlines continue to suspend services, cancel selected flights or adjust schedules amid ongoing security concerns and restrictions affecting flight operations.

Travellers should not assume that their flight will operate simply because the airport has reopened. The latest airline notices and individual booking status remain essential before travelling.

Which Airlines Have Suspended or Changed Flights?

Updates published on October 20 indicate that several airlines are maintaining restrictions on services to Saudi Arabia. The affected routes and dates vary by carrier.

• Etihad Airways: Flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Dammam and selected Jeddah services have been affected by cancellations through October 24, according to the latest reported notice.
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• Air India: Services to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah have been suspended through October 24 in the latest reported update.
• IndiGo: Flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah have been affected by cancellations through October 24.
• Lufthansa Group: Riyadh services have been suspended through November 18, while Dammam services have been listed as suspended through November 30.
• Cathay Pacific: The resumption of its Riyadh service has been postponed through January 31, 2027.
• Philippine Airlines: Its Riyadh suspension has been extended through November 29.
• Qatar Airways: Services to Riyadh and Dammam have been temporarily suspended, according to the latest reports.

These dates reflect reported airline measures as of October 20, 2026. They are not a guarantee that every flight on a route is cancelled or that services will automatically resume on the stated date. Airlines may revise their schedules at short notice.

Why Are Flights Still Disrupted?

The disruptions follow attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport and a Saudia aircraft earlier in October. Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation said that airport operations had resumed following the attacks. However, the reopening did not immediately restore all international airline services.

Reuters reported on October 20 that airlines were continuing to cancel services and that departures across Saudi airports had been severely affected since October 8. The Houthi group has also claimed further attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including airport sites, but those more recent claims had not been independently verified by Reuters at the time of reporting.

The distinction is important: an airport can be open while individual airlines continue to suspend flights because of security assessments, operating restrictions or regulatory requirements.

Are Flights to Riyadh Operating?

Some flights have appeared on arrival and departure schedules since the airport reopened. Saudi carriers and selected international airlines have listed services, while other flights have been cancelled or diverted.

Passengers should check the status of the exact flight number, not just the general status of Riyadh airport. Those travelling on connecting itineraries should also confirm that the onward flight is operating and allow for possible schedule changes.

What Should Passengers Do?

• Check the flight status on the operating airline's official website or app before leaving for the airport.
• Confirm that both the first flight and any connecting flights are operating.
• If the flight is cancelled, contact the airline or booking agent about rebooking, refunds and any assistance available under the ticket conditions and applicable law.
• Keep airline notifications and booking confirmations accessible.
• Avoid travelling to an alternative airport without confirming that a replacement flight is booked and operating.

Travellers who need to change plans should first contact the airline responsible for the affected flight. If a journey involves multiple airlines or a third-party booking provider, the applicable rebooking process may differ.

Check Etihad Flight Status

Passengers comparing alternative itineraries can also search available flights with Aviasales. Availability may change quickly during disruptions, so confirm the booking and operating status with the airline before paying.

Sources and Further Updates

• Reuters: Airlines cancel flights to Saudi Arabia after Riyadh airport attacks — airline suspensions and schedule changes, updated October 20.
• The National: Which airlines are flying to Riyadh? — scheduled services, cancellations and diversions, October 20.
• Saudi Press Agency: GACA statement on the Riyadh airport attacks — official statement on the incident and the resumption of airport operations.

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Last checked: October 21, 2026. Flight schedules and security conditions can change. Check official airline notices for the latest information before travelling.