Saudi authorities have extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until Saturday, October 17, as Houthi attacks disrupted air travel and prompted airlines across Europe, Asia and the Middle East to suspend or postpone services to the Saudi capital.
The extended closure, announced by Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority, is intended to allow authorities to complete procedures to ensure the safety and operational readiness of the airport’s facilities amid escalating security concerns.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Monday indicated that the airport would remain closed until 2100 GMT on October 17. The suspension has affected one of the Kingdom’s major aviation gateways, with international carriers introducing cancellations and extending restrictions on flights to and from Riyadh.
The disruption follows a series of attacks in recent days, including reported missile and drone strikes targeting Saudi territory. The developments have also prompted aviation authorities in the United States and Europe to issue or expand warnings concerning operations in Saudi airspace.
Airlines extend suspensions to Riyadh
Several international airlines have announced flight cancellations or schedule changes in response to the deteriorating security situation, with some extending suspensions beyond the latest airport closure deadline.
Lufthansa Group has cancelled all flights to Riyadh until October 16, while Air France-KLM has extended the suspension of services to and from the Saudi capital until the end of October, a Reuters report said.
Etihad Airways has cancelled flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam because of what it described as regional disruption. The airline said all flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh would remain cancelled until October 19.
Qatar Airways also announced on Monday that it had temporarily suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam in response to the prevailing situation.
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has postponed the planned launch of its Atlanta–Riyadh service, which was initially scheduled to begin on October 23, until March 2027, Reuters said.
The US Federal Aviation Administration advised American carriers on Sunday to exercise caution when operating flights to or over Saudi Arabia. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency also expanded its warning concerning Saudi airspace on Friday, citing missile and drone threats.
Saudi Arabia reports interception of ballistic missiles
Late on Monday, the Houthis said they had launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport, shortly after Saudi authorities reported intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh.
Major General Turki Al-Malki, official spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, said two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi militia towards Khamis Mushait had been intercepted and destroyed.
Minister reaffirms determination to defend security
Saudi Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary has affirmed the Kingdom’s determination to defend its territory, protect its citizens and residents, and safeguard its vital facilities, stressing that the government and the Saudi people remain united behind the country’s leadership amid the continuing threats.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 37th government press conference in Riyadh, Al-Dossary condemned the Houthi attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure and expressed condolences to the families of those killed, while praying for the deceased and a swift recovery for the injured.
He said the Kingdom remained resolute in protecting its security, preserving its resources and continuing its development and nation-building efforts despite the threats.
Al-Dossary stressed that the safety and security of citizens and residents remained the government’s highest priority, adding that the Kingdom possessed the capabilities and readiness required to confront aerial, missile and drone threats.
He also underscored the importance of national unity, saying that Saudis stood ready to defend their country and its holy sites and remained proud of the efforts of security personnel and the armed forces.
The minister said the repeated attacks demonstrated the Houthi militia’s disregard for international law and moral and religious principles, particularly when civilians and essential facilities were placed at risk.
He added that the Kingdom would continue to respond firmly to threats against its security and stability.
Protection of holy sites and pilgrims a central concern
Addressing questions about the recent attacks on religious sites, civilian locations and vital facilities, Al-Dossary said the nature of the threats required sustained vigilance and preparedness across the country.
He warned that attacks affecting airports could place innocent travellers at risk, including Umrah performers, pilgrims heading to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
The minister noted that Saudi airports regularly handle large numbers of religious visitors and stressed that any threat to these facilities could have consequences beyond aviation, potentially endangering people travelling to the Kingdom’s holiest sites.
He said the government was coordinating across military, security, health and service agencies to ensure a comprehensive response to emergencies and to protect the public.
Al-Dossary also emphasised that the Kingdom’s elevated state of readiness should not be interpreted as a sign of public alarm. Instead, he said, it reflected the authorities’ preparations for a range of possible scenarios and their determination to maintain security while ensuring that daily life continues.
