Saudi Arabia has extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh as aviation authorities continue to assess the damage caused by a series of attacks over the weekend. The General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia (GACA) said the restrictions would remain in place while inspections and safety assessments of airport facilities continue.
According to FlightRadar24, the closure affects approximately 700 flights per day at the Riyadh airport, creating significant disruption to air travel in the region.
The latest incidents come amid warnings advising airlines against operating in Saudi Arabian airspace. The attacks, attributed in the source report to Houthi militias from Yemen, were described as a response to Saudi Arabia’s support for government forces in Yemen.
One of the most serious incidents occurred on Saturday, when an unidentified projectile struck Passenger Hall No. 4 at King Khalid International Airport. The attack reportedly killed 13 people and left another 308 injured.
GACA has confirmed that damage assessments and safety inspections are underway following the strikes. The authority stressed that the condition of airport infrastructure, together with the safety and operational readiness of its facilities, remains central to the decision to maintain the closure.
Further attacks targeting Riyadh airport, as well as King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, have prompted similar precautionary measures. The developments have added to the operational challenges facing airlines serving Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.
Airlines adjust schedules worldwide
Airline disruption continues amid carrier responses to restrictions. Etihad Airways has canceled flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until Tuesday, October 13, Gulf Business reported. Emirates has also suspended some Dubai flights to destinations in Saudi Arabia.
Separately, Lufthansa Group has also suspended services to Riyadh, with the suspension tentatively in place until October 14.
It will be a case of waiting to see the results of the checks and whether the authorities believe it is safe to reopen airport facilities as to how long the airport restrictions will be in place. Until then, airlines and passengers are uncertain about services to and from the affected Saudi airports.
