Full Breakdown
Riyadh Airport Reopens Amid Ongoing Restrictions and Airline Cancellations
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was struck repeatedly by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in early October 2026. The most damaging strike hit the airport on October 10, prompting Saudi aviation authorities to suspend operations and conduct safety inspections. The Houthi group claimed responsibility, alleging the facility was used to supply Saudi military equipment.
Core Event: Limited Reopening on October 18
Two days after airlines were notified they could resume services with prior permission, the airport reopened on October 18 2026. Under NOTAM A3650/26, all arriving and departing aircraft must obtain prior permission from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). NOTAM A3651/26 bars the use of Riyadh as a planned diversion airport. Both notices took effect on October 17 and have no specified expiry date.
Data & Statistics
- Cirium recorded an 81.4 % disruption rate on October 15, with 298 of 366 scheduled departures cancelled or marked “no-fly.”
- Flight-tracking data show that only Saudi carriers Saudia and Flynas operated scheduled flights on the day of reopening; no international passenger flight had sought permission.
- Airline suspension timelines (as of October 19):
- Lufthansa – suspended through November 18.
- KLM – cancelled through October 31.
- Air France – suspended until October 24.
- IndiGo – cancelled through October 24.
- Philippine Airlines – flights PR654 and PR655 suspended until November 29.
- Cathay Pacific – postponed through January 31 2027.
- Delta Air Lines – launch postponed to March 2027.
- Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways – cancellations extended through October 24.
Official Statements & Responses
GACA issued the two NOTAMs, emphasizing they remain in force until security conditions improve. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) advised operators to avoid designated Saudi airspace because of missile, drone, and air-defence activity. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a similar advisory citing military activity and interference with satellite navigation. Airlines say the advisories require individual risk assessments, and passengers are urged to verify flight status directly with carriers.
Why It Matters
The restricted reopening leaves passengers facing uncertainty and may depress tourism and business travel to Saudi Arabia. Analysts warn that a prolonged drop in air traffic could have longer-term economic consequences beyond the immediate damage to airport infrastructure.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Flight-tracking services differ on the extent of operations: Flightradar24 reports no passenger flight has sought authorization, while FlightAware lists Saudia and Flynas as operating scheduled flights. Neither source confirms any international commercial flights have resumed, and the date when unrestricted passenger services will be restored remains unspecified.
What’s Next
The NOTAMs remain in effect with no announced expiry, and airlines continue to extend cancellations based on ongoing security assessments. Passengers planning travel to Riyadh should monitor airline communications for the latest status.