Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) remains closed after deadly attacks over the 10 October weekend affected civilian passengers and airport staff at the Riyadh hub.
Saudi authorities said 12 people were killed and 309 injured in Saturday’s strike, while a further attack on Sunday caused additional casualties.
While the immediate focus remains on those killed, injured or displaced, the prolonged closure of Riyadh's main gateway is sending shockwaves through regional and international aviation networks.
Airlines suspend and cancel flights
Several Gulf carriers, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia, have cancelled or amended services between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with disruption extending to selected flights serving Dammam and Jeddah.
Lufthansa Group, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Kuwait Airways and SriLankan Airlines are also among carriers that have suspended or cancelled Riyadh services following the attacks.
Etihad has cancelled selected Abu Dhabi–Riyadh return flights through 13 October. flydubai has cancelled all Riyadh flights through 14 October, while Emirates has cancelled selected Dubai–Riyadh rotations. Some later Emirates services remain scheduled, subject to further change.
The Riyadh disruption comes against a wider backdrop of Asian carriers paring back Middle East operations.
Cathay Pacific has cancelled all passenger services to Riyadh and Dubai through 31 January 2027. Singapore Airlines has extended the suspension of its Singapore–Dubai service until 1 December, while Scoot has cancelled Singapore–Jeddah flights until 2 December. Korean Air’s Incheon–Dubai service also remains suspended.
Blow to Saudi tourism ambitions
The closure poses a setback for Saudi Arabia's efforts to position Riyadh as a major international aviation hub and tourism gateway.
Religious travel has also been affected, with Umrah pilgrims among those impacted by the attacks and subsequent flight disruptions.
Singapore Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad has urged Singaporeans in Saudi Arabia, including pilgrims, to stay alert following a deadly attack on Riyadh airport on 10 October.
In Singapore, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad urged Singaporeans in Saudi Arabia, including pilgrims, to remain vigilant. Meanwhile, Malaysia has advised citizens to defer non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, citing security concerns.
International authorities, including the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, have updated travel advisories, urging caution and advising against all but essential travel to certain high-risk areas, including Riyadh province.