Flight disruptions across the Middle East continue as regional tensions remain high, with passengers travelling to and from Saudi Arabia advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Saudi Arabia’s airspace remains open, but flights can still face delays, cancellations and schedule changes as airlines respond to changing security conditions across the region.
The situation intensified after Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed missile and drone attacks targeting sites in Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia on September 19. Saudi authorities said a missile aimed at Riyadh was intercepted, while further attacks were also reported around other locations.
The disruption has affected regional aviation, with reports of delays and cancellations involving flights connected to Riyadh and other Gulf hubs. Passengers are being advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.
This article was updated on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Are flights operating in Saudi Arabia?
Flights are continuing to operate to and from major Saudi airports, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport.
However, schedules remain subject to change because of the wider regional security situation.
Recent flight-tracking information shows that domestic Saudi flights are still operating, although some services have experienced delays. For example, several Saudia services between Riyadh and Dammam have operated with schedule variations in recent days.
Passengers should therefore allow additional time and check their airline’s official website or app before leaving for the airport.
What is happening to flights from Riyadh?
Flights from Riyadh are operating, but the situation remains fluid following the recent missile and drone activity around the Saudi capital.
On September 19, smoke and flames were reported near Riyadh after the Houthis claimed attacks on sites in the capital. Saudi-led air defences intercepted a missile aimed at Riyadh, according to reports.
The incident contributed to temporary disruption at King Khalid International Airport, with flight operations affected by the heightened security situation.
Are Jeddah flights operating?
Flights to and from Jeddah continue to operate, although passengers should remain prepared for delays or last-minute schedule changes.
The wider regional situation has forced airlines to repeatedly adjust routes and schedules. Some international carriers have suspended or reduced services to parts of the Middle East, while others have gradually restored flights.
What should passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia do?
Passengers travelling to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam or other Saudi destinations should:
- Check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Check for airline notifications by SMS, email or through the airline’s app.
- Arrive early in case of longer security or check-in procedures.
- Be prepared for possible delays, cancellations or changes to departure times.
- Check connecting-flight arrangements if travelling through another Gulf airport.
- Contact the airline directly if a flight has been cancelled or substantially changed.
Why are flights being delayed or cancelled?
The main reasons include changing airspace restrictions, security alerts, rerouted flight paths and airlines adjusting operations in response to the wider regional conflict.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also maintained conflict-zone guidance covering parts of the Gulf, warning of risks associated with missiles, drones, combat aircraft and air-defence systems.
These conditions can force airlines to use longer routes, reduce frequencies or temporarily suspend particular services.
Latest Saudi Arabia flight update
Saudi Arabia’s airspace remains open, and flights are continuing to operate. However, the security situation means schedules can change at short notice.
Travellers with bookings to or from Saudi Arabia should rely on the latest information provided by their airline and airport rather than assuming that a flight will operate according to its original timetable.
With regional tensions continuing, passengers should check their flight status again shortly before travelling to the airport.
