Saudi authorities suspended operational activities at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until further notice on 13 October. This decision follows a Houthi attack targeting the facility. International carriers, including Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, and Delta Air Lines, have responded by suspending all flights to the capital. Travelers currently booked on routes to Riyadh are advised to check with their respective airlines for updates regarding flight status and alternative arrangements. Authorities have not provided an estimated timeline for the resumption of services at the airport. Security teams remain stationed at the site to monitor the situation.
Regional Carriers Halt Operations
Gulf Air confirmed that it suspended all flights to and from Riyadh beginning on 12 October. The airline stated these operational changes will remain in effect until midnight on 17 October 2026. This schedule adjustment impacts all scheduled transit through the facility during the five-day period.
Qatar Airways separately initiated a temporary suspension of its services to Riyadh. The carrier also halted operations to Dammam as part of its response to the security incident. Management at Qatar Airways did not specify a date for the resumption of these routes, noting only that the suspension is temporary. Passengers affected by these changes are instructed to monitor airline communications for further updates regarding their travel plans.
European Airlines Adjust Schedules
Lufthansa Group announced a suspension of all flight services to Riyadh lasting until 16 October 2026. This operational pause affects all incoming and outgoing connections managed by the airline group at the facility. Company representatives stated that the schedule adjustment remains in place while security conditions at King Khalid International Airport are evaluated.
Air France-KLM extended its suspension of flights to and from Riyadh through the end of October 2026. The airline group confirmed that all bookings scheduled for the remainder of the month are impacted by this directive. Travelers holding tickets for travel to the capital during this period are encouraged to review official airline communications for information regarding rebooking options or service cancellations.
Delta Air Lines postponed its scheduled flights from Atlanta to Riyadh until March 2027. This decision represents the longest suspension period among major international carriers currently responding to the security environment in the region. Management at the airline has not released further details regarding the specific operational constraints necessitating a delay of this duration. Passengers previously booked on these routes are required to contact the airline to facilitate adjustments to their travel arrangements.
