Closure of Riyadh Airport Cuts Saudi Air Cargo Capacity by 33%

Combined air cargo capacity in Saudi Arabia fell 33% to 7,292 tonnes compared to the previous week, according to data from Rotate reported by The Loadstar platform. Riyadh's capacity recorded a sharp drop of 99% from 3,925 tonnes to just 26 tonnes.

A NOTAM notice for King Khalid International Airport indicates that the airport is unavailable until 9:00 PM GMT on October 17. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation had extended the flight suspension without setting a reopening date.

These developments come after a series of attacks targeting the airport in recent days, prompting airlines including Air France-KLM, Etihad Airways, Delta, and Saudia Cargo to suspend their services to Saudi Arabia.

This sharp drop reduces the region's ability to transport high-value air cargo, pharmaceuticals, and urgent parts, extending delivery times and raising freight costs, directly impacting trade and supply to Gulf countries and Egypt in the coming period.

What do these terms mean?

Air Cargo Capacity: The total weight of goods that aircraft can transport on a specific route, measured in tonnes over a specific period.

NOTAM: An official notice issued to pilots and operators announcing an emergency status or restriction at a specific airport or airspace.

Air Navigation Suspension: A temporary pause of takeoff and landing flights at an airport for security or operational reasons, requiring airlines to alter their routes.