Saudi Arabia’s aviation network has been severely disrupted following a series of attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, leaving thousands of passengers facing cancellations, delays and uncertainty. The disruption has also affected international travel and Umrah pilgrimages, with travellers stranded as authorities and airlines respond to the deteriorating security situation.
According to a report published by Gulf Business on Monday, 12 October, nearly 1,500 flight cancellations were recorded across three of the kingdom’s major airports, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, over Sunday and Monday. The figures were based on flight-tracking data and may include overlapping records for connecting services.
The disruption follows deadly attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s second-busiest airport, prompting the suspension of operations and widespread changes to airline schedules. The attacks have raised serious concerns about the safety of civilian aviation as tensions involving the Houthis continue to escalate.
Riyadh Airport Hit by Major Disruption
Flight-tracking data cited by Gulf Business showed that Riyadh recorded 655 cancellations on Sunday, with hundreds more services affected on Monday. Jeddah and Dammam also experienced cancellations and delays, disrupting connections across the kingdom and beyond.
The consequences have extended well beyond Saudi Arabia. Airlines have suspended or revised services to Riyadh, while international carriers have warned passengers to check their bookings before travelling.
Reuters reported on 12 October that Lufthansa had suspended flights to Riyadh until 16 October, while Air France-KLM extended its suspension of services to and from the Saudi capital until the end of the month. The US Federal Aviation Administration also advised American airlines to exercise caution when operating in or over Saudi Arabia.
Umrah Pilgrims Among Those Affected
The disruption has caused particular concern for Muslim pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage that can be undertaken throughout the year.
Images broadcast by Saudi state television showed pilgrims waiting to board flights at Riyadh airport when an attack triggered panic inside the terminal. International reports have also highlighted the difficulties faced by passengers whose religious journeys have been interrupted by the airport shutdown and subsequent cancellations.
For affected travellers, the disruption can mean missed connections, unexpected accommodation costs and uncertainty over when they will be able to continue their journeys. Pilgrims travelling in organised groups, including elderly people and families, may face additional difficulties when schedules change at short notice.
The impact is also being felt by travel operators and airlines, which must manage rebookings, refunds and changes to onward journeys.
Houthis Warn Airlines Against Using Saudi Airports
The crisis follows a series of attacks claimed by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The group has issued warnings to airlines against using Saudi airports, further increasing concerns about the security of the kingdom’s aviation infrastructure.
BBC reporting on 11 October said the Houthis had warned airline companies not to use Saudi airports. The warning came after an attack at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that Saudi authorities said had killed at least 12 people and injured 309, according to reports published at the time.
The attacks have created a difficult operating environment for airlines, which must balance the need to maintain international connections against the risks associated with operating in an unstable security situation.
Travellers Advised to Check Flights Before Leaving
With the situation continuing to develop, passengers scheduled to travel to or from Saudi Arabia have been advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Travellers should also check whether connecting flights, hotel reservations and ground transport arrangements need to be changed. Those travelling through tour operators should maintain contact with their agents for updates on alternative flights and rebooking arrangements.
The UK Foreign Office’s travel advice, updated in October, warns of heightened security risks and the possibility of further airport disruptions. It advises travellers to check their reservations and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
The unfolding crisis highlights how quickly regional conflict can disrupt international aviation and religious travel. For thousands of passengers, including Umrah pilgrims, the immediate priority is to reach their destinations safely as airlines and authorities respond to an unpredictable security situation.
