Riyadh Airport Status at a Glance (26 October 2026)
Critical distinction. The airport reopening two terminals is an airport announcement. Whether your flight operates is an airline decision, and many airlines have not resumed.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Airport | King Khalid International (RUH) partially reopened 25 Oct |
| Terminal 1 | Domestic flights |
| Terminal 2 | International flights by Saudi national carriers only |
| Other terminals | No reopening date announced |
| Foreign airlines | Many suspensions extended into November |
| UK advice (FCDO) | Against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia |
| Security | Houthis renewed threats against the airport |
*Based on airport statements and reports from AP, Time Out Riyadh, The National, Gulf News and Al Jazeera, 24–26 October 2026. Situations change hourly.
Riyadh Airport Latest News: What Is Verified
On 10 October 2026 a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and wounded 308, according to the Associated Press, and the airport shut. Airlines then cancelled flights across the kingdom, with Gulf News reporting more than 7,800 Saudi flights cancelled since 8 October. On Saturday 24 October the airport announced that Terminals 1 and 2 would reopen on Sunday 25 October, and urged passengers to contact their airlines first.
The reopening came despite fresh threats. The Houthi military spokesman again called the airport a military target, and Saudi authorities reported intercepting a missile and drone over Riyadh on 25 October. A separate attack on Dammam's King Fahd airport on 21 October reportedly killed two people.
Not yet confirmed: which foreign airlines will resume Riyadh flights immediately, and when the remaining terminals will reopen.
How to Check Riyadh Airport Flight Status Today
1. Airline first
Use your airline app or site with your exact flight number and date.
2. Check the terminal
Terminal 2 is for Saudi national carriers on international flights.
3. Official notices
Follow GACA, the airport's social channels and GOV.UK.
4. Keep proof
Save emails, receipts and screenshots for refunds.
Riyadh Flight Cancellations: Which Airlines Are Still Suspended
These dates come from airline notices as reported on 18–25 October. Dates are extended often, so treat them as a snapshot and verify directly.
| Airline | Reported status |
|---|---|
| British Airways | Riyadh suspended; limited one daily flight planned from 3 Nov |
| Etihad | Abu Dhabi to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah cancelled through 5 Nov |
| Emirates | Cancellations listed on several Saudi routes; check flight numbers |
| flydubai | Riyadh, Dammam, Abha cancelled to 29 Oct |
| Qatar Airways | Riyadh and Dammam cancelled through 24 Oct; Jeddah cut from 7 to 4 daily; check later dates |
| PIA | Riyadh suspended since 9 Oct, no end date reported |
| Air India / Express | Riyadh and Dammam to 7 Nov; Jeddah to 31 Oct |
| IndiGo | Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah to 31 Oct |
| Lufthansa Group | Riyadh reported suspended to 18 Nov |
| Air Arabia | Sharjah to Riyadh, Abha, Dammam, Taif cancelled, no end date |
| Saudia, flynas, flyadeal, Riyadh Air | Operating limited services; check each flight |
Are Flights to Saudi Arabia Operating? Route-by-Route
Riyadh (RUH)
Partial reopeningTwo terminals open, many foreign airlines suspended.
Jeddah (JED)
Reduced servicesOperating on several airlines but cut or cancelled on others.
Dammam and Abha
Widely suspendedDammam was hit on 21 October; many carriers have cancelled.
Madinah and Makkah
Umrah gatewaysMadinah flights operate in part. See Umrah section.
UK and US Travel Advisories for Saudi Arabia
On 16–17 October the FCDO widened its advice to against all but essential travel to all of Saudi Arabia, and keeps advising against all travel within 10km of the Yemen border. It tells British nationals to avoid King Khalid airport until it is secure and warns that insurance may be invalidated if you travel against advice. Those wishing to leave are told to consider overland routes to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE or Jordan, and to check entry rules first. Emergency passport holders or those with under six months' passport validity can call British Embassy Riyadh on +966 11 481 9100 or the Jeddah consulate.
On 21 October the US State Department ordered non-emergency government staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia and urged extreme caution at Saudi airports. Check UK passport rules and read our travel disruption guide.
Saudi Arabia on the Ground: Current Situation
Saudi Civil Defense has issued early-warning alerts telling Riyadh residents to take shelter during incoming threats, and authorities say air defences intercept most missiles and drones. Saudi Arabia says two missiles aimed at the Makkah and Madinah regions were intercepted on 24 October, which the Houthis deny. Airports, energy sites and military facilities are reported targets, so avoid them where possible. Daily life continues in many areas, but conditions can change quickly: sign up for FCDO alerts and follow local authority instructions.
Umrah, Jeddah and Madinah: What Pilgrims Should Know
Most Umrah travellers fly into Jeddah or Madinah rather than Riyadh, and flights to both have continued in part, although some carriers have cut services. Khaleej Times reported UAE operators seeing roughly 50% fewer new Umrah bookings, while earlier bookings largely continue. Because the FCDO advises against all but essential travel, speak to your provider and insurer before departure. See our Saudi Umrah visa guide, Umrah packages from the UK, Umrah packages from Pakistan and Ramadan Umrah 2027.
Flights from the UK to Pakistan via Riyadh
If your itinerary connects through Riyadh, treat it as high risk while foreign airline services are suspended: a cancelled connection can strand you. Where possible, ask your airline or agent to rebook through another hub such as Istanbul, Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, or onto a direct flight, and remember Gulf hubs can also see disruption. PIA's Riyadh route has been suspended since 9 October, and Pakistan has condemned the attacks. Browse flights to Pakistan from the UK, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and cheap flights to Pakistan.
What Happens If My Flight Is Cancelled? Refunds and Rebooking
Refund or reroute
Your core rightIf an airline cancels, you can generally choose a refund or rerouting.
UK261 scope
Check your flightIt covers flights leaving the UK, and flights into the UK on UK or EU airlines.
Compensation
Often not owedAirport attacks are usually treated as extraordinary circumstances.
Packages and insurance
Read the termsFCDO advice can affect cancellation rights and insurance validity. Ask your provider.
Wider Developments: Iran, Houthis and the Gulf
The Houthi-Saudi conflict resumed on 13 July 2026 and sits inside the wider regional war that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. The FCDO says renewed Iranian attacks remain possible, and reports citing US officials say the US and Israel have drawn up plans for fresh strikes after the 3 November US midterms, while Strait of Hormuz tensions continue. Any escalation could widen Gulf flight disruption, so book flexible fares and avoid tight connections.
Key Dates to Watch
Suspension reviews
flydubai, IndiGo and Air India Jeddah dates fall here.
Recheck before flyingBA limited Riyadh return
One daily flight planned, subject to change.
Confirm on ba.comEtihad and Air India
Reported suspension end dates.
Dates may extendLufthansa Group
Reported Riyadh suspension end.
Verify with airline