Riyadh’s Airport Has Now Been Struck Three Times in Six Days

Saudi Arabia recorded 1,041 flight cancellations and 1,637 delays over 10 and 11 October after attacks on its airports, bringing the total number of affected flights to 2,678 across 16 commercial airfields. The disruption began on 6 October and was still ongoing on 12 October. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport was struck on 11 October, its third attack in six days, following an attack on 10 October that AirHelp’s summary says killed 12 people and injured 309.

The knock-on effects stretched beyond Saudi borders. Riyadh alone saw 291 cancellations on 10 October, while Dubai logged 61 cancellations and 248 delays and Doha’s Hamad International saw 18 cancellations and 117 delays. Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian suspended Saudi operations through 16 October, and Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Philippine Airlines suspended or reviewed services. Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic announced longer suspensions.

Plans for the future are being rewritten too. British Airways is reviewing its planned return to Riyadh, and Delta’s planned Atlanta–Riyadh launch has effectively been cancelled. Saudia, flynas and flyadeal were severely disrupted, and Umrah pilgrims travelling through Jeddah and Medina were left stranded. Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates continued operating with heightened caution. The picture is of an aviation region where schedules are being adjusted almost daily.

For travellers with Gulf itineraries, the advice is to confirm every leg before heading to the airport and to stay flexible about routings. Cash compensation is not available for these disruptions under European rules because they are extraordinary circumstances, but refunds, rebooking, meals and accommodation may still apply, and UK, US, Canadian and Australian rules may add refund or rebooking rights. Keep receipts, get written confirmation of any cancellation, and avoid waiving your rights.

Sources: AirHelp