Riyadh’s Airport Reopened, but Airlines Aren’t Rushing Back

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has been disrupted since October, and reopening it has not been enough to bring every airline back. Etihad, Emirates, Air France and KLM are among the carriers that have cut Saudi services, according to reporting from The National, and a number of suspensions are still running well into the coming weeks.

The details vary by airline. Lufthansa has suspended flights to Riyadh until November 18 and to Dammam until November 30. Philippine Airlines has cancelled Riyadh flights PR654 and PR655 until November 29. British Airways planned to operate one daily Riyadh flight from November 3, a reduced schedule rather than a full return.

The longest cancellation reported so far belongs to Cathay Pacific, which has cancelled passenger flights to Dubai and Riyadh through January 31, 2027. For anyone with a ticket booked into the region this winter, that gap between a reopened airport and an operating schedule is the thing to watch.

Governments are also cautious. Australia’s Smartraveller service advises Australians to reconsider the need to travel to Saudi Arabia. Travelers with bookings should check directly with their airline for the latest status, ask about rebooking or refunds if a flight is cancelled, and review their government’s current advice before committing to new plans.

Sources: The National, Travel Monitor