Riyadh Airport Remains Closed Until October 17 as Airlines Suspend Flights
A Notice to Airmen announced the closure of King Khalid International Airport until October 17 following attacks, while global airlines suspended flights to Saudi Arabia and others postponed their return until 2027.
A Notice to Airmen reported the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until October 17 following attacks, according to the Italian platform "MarketScreener" citing Reuters.
In the wake of this, Cathay Pacific decided to postpone the resumption of its flights between Hong Kong and Dubai, and between Hong Kong and Riyadh, until January 31, 2027. Delta Air Lines also delayed the launch of its route between Atlanta and Riyadh to March 2027, while Philippine Airlines extended the suspension of its flights to Riyadh until November 29.
Other airlines reduced their services to Saudi Arabia, including Air France-KLM, Air India, Akasa Air, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, IndiGo, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, and Qatar Airways.
The suspension of these flights has a direct impact on passengers traveling to and from the region, with return dates for some routes postponed until 2027 pending the reopening of the airport. Airlines are monitoring aeronautical notices before determining when to resume flights.
What Do These Terms Mean?
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM): An official message issued by relevant authorities to pilots and airlines to alert them to the status of an airport, airspace, or temporary hazards.
Hub Airport: A primary airport used by an airline as a focal point to collect and distribute its flights, where passengers transfer between its different routes.
Flight Suspension: A temporary halt in operating an air route due to security or operational conditions, which can be extended or lifted depending on how the situation develops.
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