Riyadh Airport Resumes Operations as Global Airlines Extend Flight Suspensions

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resumed operations on October 18, but the recovery did not fully cover the international flight network, as global airlines extended their flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia.

The newspaper "The National" reported that airlines including Etihad, flydubai, Qatar Airways, and European and Asian carriers maintained flight suspensions, with many extending the suspension until October 24.

Lufthansa's flight suspension to Riyadh extends until November 18, while Cathay Pacific's suspension continues until January 31, 2027, according to the same source.

British Airways plans to operate a limited daily service to Riyadh starting November 3, meaning that the return of international flights will be gradual. Travelers should follow airline updates before booking.

What do these terms mean?

Flight suspension: An airline's decision to temporarily halt a flight or route for security or operational reasons.

Air route: The regular path by which an airline connects two airports or cities.

Limited daily service: A flight or small number of flights operated daily at lower capacity than the full schedule.