AI-generated illustration

Several Arab airlines cancelled or suspended flights to Saudi Arabia after Iran-backed Houthi strikes hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the country's main gateway, which has halted operations until further notice.

Bahrain's Gulf Air called off its Riyadh services between October 12 and 17, while Qatar Airways temporarily suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam. Etihad Airways cancelled all Abu Dhabi-Riyad flights through Monday, October 19, along with planned Abu Dhabi-Dammam services and some Abu Dhabi-Jeddah routes. Kuwait Airways and EgyptAir also scrapped Riyadh flights, citing the airport's temporary closure.

Saudi aviation authorities said the suspension at King Khalid airport would continue until a new announcement, as checks are carried out on the safety of facilities and readiness for operations. Saudi embassies in Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, the UAE and Kuwait announced bus services to Riyadh for citizens stranded by the cancelled flights.

According to the report, five Saudi airports were hit in 10 attacks over the past week, killing 20 people and injuring hundreds while causing severe damage and flight disruptions. Riyadh's airport was targeted five times, King Fahd airport in Dammam twice, and airports in Abha, Jazan and Najran once each.

Key Takeaways

• Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Kuwait Airways and EgyptAir cancelled or suspended flights to Riyadh and other Saudi cities.
• King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh halted operations until further notice after being targeted five times in a week.
• Ten attacks on five Saudi airports in the past week killed 20 people and wounded hundreds, according to the report.