Airlines Suspend Riyadh Flights After Houthi Airport Attacks
Multiple international airlines suspended flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following Houthi drone and missile attacks on airports in Riyadh and Abha.
Several international carriers have suspended flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following drone and missile attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group on airports in Riyadh and Abha. The security situation led to the temporary closure of King Khalid International Airport, triggering widespread cancellations across South Asian and Middle Eastern routes.
SriLankan Airlines suspended all flights to Riyadh until October 18, 2026, cancelling services from Colombo. The carrier stated that "the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority" and will resume operations only after safety assessments are complete.
Indian carriers also extended their suspensions. Air India Express cancelled services until October 14, while Air India extended its cancellations until October 15. Akasa Air cancelled flights until October 11. These disruptions affect numerous weekly flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kannur, and Kozhikode. Air India Express is providing free rescheduling and full refunds to affected passengers.
Additionally, Kuwait Airways cancelled flights KU775 and KU776 between Kuwait and Riyadh on October 10, citing the closure of King Khalid International Airport due to the prevailing security situation.
