King Khalid Airport Cancels 99.7% of Flights as Civil Aviation Extends Suspension

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh cancelled about 99.7% of all scheduled flights on Sunday, October 11, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, before cancellations continued with approximately 60% of flights on Monday, October 12.

This schedule collapse came after attacks targeting the Saudi capital, as the General Authority of Civil Aviation extended the suspension of operations without setting a resumption date, amid uncertainty that upended the plans of travelers and carriers alike.

Airlines including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia cancelled their services to the airport or adjusted their schedules, in a move that affected major Gulf carriers connecting Riyadh to the global network.

These developments come at a time when the region is witnessing a security escalation affecting airports and vital facilities, while sources did not provide figures on the direct tourism impact of the suspension. The reopening of the airport remains contingent on an improvement in the security situation and the decision of Saudi authorities.

What do these terms mean?

Flight cancellations: The dropping of a scheduled service by the operating airline or authority due to emergency circumstances, in which case the passenger is entitled to rebook or receive a refund.

General Authority of Civil Aviation: The government entity that regulates air transport, oversees airports, and licenses airlines in Saudi Arabia.

Gulf carriers: Airlines headquartered in Gulf countries that operate flight networks connecting them to most parts of the world.