Riyadh Airport reopens: Saudi flights status, refunds update here

Tahir • October 20, 2026 • Pakistan

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport reopened after being closed following attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. However, several airlines have continued to suspend or cancel flights to Riyadh and other Saudi destinations amid ongoing regional security concerns.

While some carriers have extended flight suspensions into November and beyond, others are preparing to resume services on selected routes. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status with airlines before travelling, as schedules remain subject to change.

The disruptions have affected airlines operating between Saudi Arabia and destinations across the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

Here is the latest available update on flight cancellations, expected resumption dates and airline operations.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has extended cancellations between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 24 due to regional disruptions.

All flights to and from these three Saudi cities remain cancelled until that date. The affected services include EY601 and EY603 from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah, as well as return flights EY602 and EY604.

Passengers should contact the airline for information about rebooking and refund options.

Emirates

Emirates has reported cancellations and schedule changes affecting flights from Dubai to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

According to Flightradar24, Jeddah-bound flights EK801, EK805 and EK803 were cancelled on October 19 and 20, with services scheduled to resume on October 21.

Flights EK815, EK819 and EK817 from Dubai to Riyadh have also been affected. EK817 is scheduled to resume on October 20, while EK815 and EK819 are expected to return on October 21.

Passengers should confirm their flight details before heading to the airport.

Flydubai

Flydubai has cancelled flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha up to and including October 24.

Passengers with affected bookings should check the airline’s latest travel advisories for rebooking and refund arrangements.

Air Arabia

Air Arabia has cancelled flights between Sharjah and several Saudi destinations, including Riyadh, Abha, Dammam and Taif.

The airline has not announced a confirmed date for the resumption of these services.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam up to and including October 24.

Services to Jeddah have also been reduced from seven flights a day to four, affecting the airline’s regular schedule to the Saudi city.

Gulf Air

Gulf Air has said that flights scheduled after Sunday, October 18, are currently operating as planned, following previously announced cancellations affecting Riyadh.

Passengers should check for any subsequent changes before departure.

Oman Air

Oman Air has suspended all flights to and from Riyadh until October 22.

Travellers booked on affected services should contact the airline to confirm their options.

SalamAir

SalamAir has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam until October 31, citing regional security developments.

Passengers should consult the airline for updated schedules and information about affected bookings.

Air France

Air France has extended the suspension of flights to and from Riyadh until October 24.

Passengers travelling on affected routes should check the airline’s latest advisory for further information.

British Airways

British Airways is scheduled to resume a limited service to Riyadh on November 3, with one flight a day, according to its previously announced plans.

The airline discontinued flights to Jeddah in April as part of broader changes to its Middle East operations.

Akasa Air

India’s Akasa Air has suspended flights to and from Riyadh until October 24 and services to Jeddah until October 21.

Passengers should verify the status of their bookings before travelling.

Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific has extended its suspension of flights to Riyadh until January 31, 2027.

The extended suspension means passengers with bookings on the affected route should check directly with the airline for alternative arrangements.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

Pakistan International Airlines announced a temporary suspension of flights to Riyadh on October 9 but did not specify a resumption date.

The Pakistan Airports Authority said at the time that the airline’s other services to Saudi Arabia were continuing as usual.

Passengers travelling from Pakistan should confirm their flight status with PIA before leaving for the airport.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has postponed the launch of its planned service between Atlanta and Riyadh until March 2027.

The flights had initially been scheduled to begin on October 23.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa has suspended flights to Riyadh until November 18, extending its previous deadline of October 16.

The Lufthansa Group has also listed flights to Dammam as suspended through November 30. Eurowings, which is part of the group, is scheduled to resume services to Jeddah on November 12.

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines has announced that flights to and from Jeddah and Madinah will resume on October 18 following a safety review.

Passengers should check the latest operating status of their specific flights before departure.

KLM

Dutch airline KLM has extended the cancellation of all flights to Riyadh and Dammam until October 31.

Travellers with affected bookings should contact the airline to confirm their available options.

Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines has suspended flights PR654 and PR655 to Riyadh until November 29, citing the security situation at King Khalid International Airport.

Passengers should check with the airline for the latest updates and assistance with affected reservations.

Scoot

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has cancelled flights between Singapore and Jeddah until December 2.

Passengers booked on these services should contact the airline for information about rebooking and refunds.

Saudi flight cancellations: What passengers need to know

Although Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has reopened, the resumption of airport operations does not mean all airlines have restored their schedules.

Passengers travelling to or from Saudi Arabia should:

  • Check flight status: Confirm the latest departure information directly with the operating airline.

  • Review rebooking options: Ask whether the airline is offering an alternative flight or allowing changes without additional fees.

  • Confirm refund eligibility: Refunds depend on the airline’s policy, ticket conditions and the circumstances of the cancellation.

  • Avoid unnecessary airport trips: Check for confirmation that the flight is operating before leaving for the airport.

  • Monitor travel advisories: Resumption dates may change as airlines review regional security conditions.

Passengers whose flights have been cancelled should contact their airline or booking agent to confirm whether they qualify for a refund, travel credit or alternative flight. A confirmed refund timeline cannot be provided without an airline-specific announcement.

Airline schedules remain subject to change, and passengers should rely on the latest official updates before travelling.

About the Author

Tahir

Tahir, an experienced news editor, brings factual and creative stories to your screen. His keen attention to detail ensures accurate and ethical journalism.