Saudi flight cancellations: full list of airlines suspending Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam routes
Houthi missile and drone attacks have led Gulf, Indian, European and Asian carriers to suspend Saudi services, many until at least October 24. PIA's Riyadh flights remain suspended.
At a glance
- Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport reopened on October 18 after Houthi attacks, but many foreign airlines have not resumed Saudi flights.
- Etihad, flydubai, Qatar Airways, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Air France have suspended some or all Saudi routes until at least October 24.
- PIA's Riyadh flights have been suspended since October 9 with no resumption date; other Pakistani services to Saudi Arabia continue, according to airport authorities.
- Some carriers have suspended Saudi routes for much longer: Lufthansa to Riyadh until November 18, Cathay Pacific to Riyadh until January 31, 2027.
Airlines around the world are still cancelling flights to Saudi Arabia after weeks of Houthi missile and drone attacks. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport reopened on October 18, but many carriers have suspended services to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until at least October 24, and some for much longer.
Airline-by-airline list
| Airline | Routes affected | Suspended until |
|---|---|---|
| PIA (Pakistan) | Riyadh | Since October 9; no date given |
| Etihad | Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam | October 24 |
| Emirates | Saudi services cancelled; Dubai–Madinah still listed | Further notice |
| flydubai | Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha | October 24 |
| Air Arabia | Sharjah to Riyadh, Abha, Dammam, Taif | No date given |
| Qatar Airways | Riyadh, Dammam (Jeddah reduced to 4 daily flights) | October 24 |
| Oman Air | Riyadh | October 22 |
| SalamAir | Riyadh, Dammam | October 31 |
| Air India, Air India Express | Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam | October 24 |
| IndiGo | Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah | October 24 |
| Akasa Air | Riyadh | October 24 |
| Air France | Riyadh | October 24 |
| KLM | Riyadh, Dammam | October 31 |
| Lufthansa | Riyadh / Dammam | November 18 / November 30 |
| British Airways | Riyadh | Returns November 3–4 |
| Philippine Airlines | Riyadh | November 29 |
| Scoot | Singapore–Jeddah | December 2 |
| Cathay Pacific | Riyadh | January 31, 2027 |
| Delta | New Atlanta–Riyadh route | Launch moved to March 2027 |
Gulf Air says its flights are operating as scheduled, and Malaysia Airlines has resumed Jeddah and Madinah flights after a safety review. Schedules are changing daily, so passengers should check directly with their airline.
What it means for Pakistani travellers
Saudi Arabia is home to more than two million Pakistani workers and is the main destination for Umrah pilgrims. PIA's Riyadh service has been suspended since October 9. Pakistan's airport authority says other flights to the kingdom are continuing, and Jeddah and Madinah remain the main gateways for pilgrims.
Practical advice:
- Check your flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport.
- If your flight is cancelled, ask the airline about a free rebooking or refund.
- Keep travel documents and Iqama or visa papers up to date in case of rerouting through another city.
- Follow official Saudi and Pakistani embassy advisories.
Why airlines are cancelling
Houthi forces in Yemen have fired missiles and drones at Saudi cities, airports and energy sites this month. A strike on Riyadh's airport killed 13 people, and Saudi air defences say they intercept attacks almost daily. Airlines also face higher insurance costs and airspace restrictions linked to the wider conflict with Iran.
Wider impact
The cancellations hit business travel, pilgrims and migrant workers across South Asia, and add to the cost of the Gulf crisis for the aviation industry. Saudi Arabia has postponed its FII investment conference and major sporting events, and the UK is sending fighter jets to help defend Saudi airspace.
What happens next
Many suspensions end on October 24, when airlines will decide whether to resume or extend them. Much will depend on whether Houthi attacks ease in the coming days.
Questions people are asking
Are PIA flights to Riyadh operating?
No. PIA suspended Riyadh flights from October 9, 2026, and has not announced a resumption date. Pakistan's airport authority says other flights to Saudi Arabia are continuing. Passengers should check with the airline before travelling.
Which airlines have cancelled flights to Saudi Arabia?
Etihad, flydubai, Qatar Airways (Riyadh and Dammam), Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Air France, Oman Air, SalamAir, KLM, Lufthansa and Cathay Pacific, among others, have suspended some Saudi routes, many until at least October 24, 2026.
Is Riyadh airport open?
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reopened on October 18, 2026, after closing because of Houthi attacks, but many international airlines have not yet resumed flights. Some travel advisories still report disruption.
