One Closed Airport Is Rewriting Gulf Airline Schedules

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is expected to remain closed until at least late this week. A notice to air missions published on October 12 sets the closure until 21:00 UTC on Saturday, October 17, and Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority has not yet announced a reopening date. The airport was attacked on October 10, and reports put the toll at 12 dead and 309 injured.

Airlines have responded with a patchwork of suspensions. Etihad has cancelled all Abu Dhabi–Riyadh flights until October 19, and flydubai has cancelled services to several Saudi destinations, including Abha, Dammam and Riyadh, through the same date. Emirates cancelled its Riyadh flights on October 13 and 14, while Qatar Airways has halted its Riyadh and Dammam services.

Further afield, Air France has suspended its Dubai and Riyadh flights until October 31. Earlier attacks on the airport and a Saudia aircraft on October 8 had already prompted the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to widen its warning for Saudi airspace on October 9, citing missiles, drones, air-defence activity and falling debris.

Australia’s Smartraveller service advises its citizens to reconsider their need to travel to Saudi Arabia. Anyone booked to, from or through the kingdom should check directly with their airline for the latest advisories and rebooking options, since suspension dates differ by carrier and are being extended at short notice.

Sources: Travel Monitor, eTurboNews