Airlines operating between the UAE and Saudi Arabia have extended flight cancellations and schedule changes following the ongoing Houthi attacks on the kingdom’s airports. The disruption has led to the closure of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport until Oct. 17 and has affected airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, and international carriers.
Major Airlines Extend Cancellations
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, almost half of all scheduled departures from Saudi airports from Oct.12 to Oct.13 have been cancelled due to attacks on the Kingdom. About 46 per cent of services on Monday, with 486 of 1,048, and 271 scheduled for Tuesday were listed as cancelled or not operating, according to the data.
Several airlines have also announced changes to their Saudi Arabia operations in their continuation of safety assessments, with Etihad Airways confirming a cancellation of flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh (flights EK815, EK819, and EK816) until Oct.19.
Additionally, Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam alongside other regional carriers, such as Gulf Air, adjusting schedules.
Passengers are advised to check flight schedules due to ongoing changes as cancelled flights such as Flight EK821 from Dubai to Dammam were listed for Oct. 13 and Oct.14 instead of its scheduled 12th.
Riyadh Airport Remains Closed
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said operations at King Khalid International Airport would remain suspended until inspections conducted by authorities conclude, allowing normal operations to resume
The disruption was severe at Riyadh Airport, with nearly all scheduled departures affected and airlines warning of future schedule changes. Passengers travelling to or through Saudi Arabia are advised to monitor airline websites for the latest information and updates.
The ongoing disruption highlights the challenges airlines face when large airport closures affect one of the region’s most important aviation markets.
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