Riyadh Flight Cancellations: Latest Airline Updates and Advice

Passengers travelling to and from Riyadh are experiencing flight cancellations as airlines continue to adjust their schedule in response to regional security issues. Some airlines have continued to delay services or have cancelled planned departures.

The disruption affects flights connecting Riyadh to other Middle East, European and Asian destinations, as well as to other cities within Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah.

Although King Khalid International Airport has reopened after its temporary closure this month, airline services have not resumed for all routes or destinations. As a result, passengers should check their own flight information rather than assuming that an airport’s reopening means all services are operating.

Here is a summary of the latest flight cancellations, airline announcements and travel options for October 24, 2026.

Is Riyadh Airport Open?

King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh’s main airport, has reopened for the first time after its temporary closure earlier in October. However, airlines continue to report cancellations and changes to selected routes.

The reopening of the airport does not necessarily mean that an airline has returned to its full schedule, so passengers should confirm their individual airline travel arrangements. Before departing, remember to:

– Check your flight status online or using the airline’s mobile application.

– Look out for any cancellation email or text message.

– Check if your departure terminal, flight number or departure time has changed.

– Contact the airline or travel agent regarding any rebooking or refund.

Avoid making additional arrangement as your airline may change your options.

Latest Riyadh Flight Cancellation Updates by Airline

Flight restrictions vary by airline and destination. The following information summarises the latest reported announcements as of October 24, 2026 for each carrier. Individual flight cancellations may change, so be sure to check the latest details for your airline.

1. Air Arabia

Air Arabia has announced flight cancellations affecting services to and from Riyadh.

Passengers with affected bookings should check their flight status directly with the airline and confirm the rebooking or refund options available to them.

2. Air France

Air France has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Riyadh through November 7, 2026, according to reported airline updates.

Passengers booked on affected services should check their reservations and contact the airline for assistance with a replacement flight or other available travel arrangement.

3. Air India and Air India Express

Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam through October 24, 2026, according to travel advisories issued previously by the carriers.

Eligible passengers whose bookings meet the airlines’ stated conditions are likely to be able to change their travel dates without an additional change fee, and refunds are also available.

Travellers who booked through a travel agent should contact that agent for assistance. Passengers considering departure from another Gulf airport must independently confirm transport arrangement, entry requirements and availability of a suitable replacement flight before arriving.

Since October 24 is the final date stated in the above notice, passengers should check whether the airlines have issued a subsequent advisory before travelling.

4. Akasa Air

Akasa Air has extended its Saudi flight suspensions, with the latest reported dates varying by destination.

– Riyadh: Suspended through November 30, 2026.

– Jeddah: Suspended through November 10, 2026.

Affected passengers can check whether they qualify for a refund or a no-additional-cost rescheduling option under the airline’s current policy. Travellers who booked through third-party travel agencies should contact their booking provider.

5. British Airways

British Airways has suspended its Riyadh services through November 3, 2026, according to the reported schedule updates. Its Jeddah services have also been reported as permanently suspended.

Passengers with existing bookings should verify their individual itineraries with British Airways, particularly if their journey involves a connecting flight through another destination.

6. Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific has postponed its Riyadh passenger services, with the reported suspension extending through January 31, 2027.

The announcement affects travellers planning journeys between Riyadh and the airline’s wider international network and passengers have been advised to check the latest arrangements and available alternative routes directly with Cathay Pacific.

7. Emirates

Emirates has reported cancellations affecting selected routes to and from Saudi Arabia.

The availability of replacement services differs according to the destination and travel date. Passengers should check their booking details and confirm their flight status with Emirates before heading to the airport.

8. Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has cancelled services on selected routes connecting Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. Recent reported updates extend the affected suspensions through November 5, 2026.

Passengers travelling through Abu Dhabi should check both their first flight and any connecting services. A change to one part of an itinerary may affect the rest of the journey.

9. flydubai

flydubai has suspended flights affecting Riyadh, Dammam and Abha through October 29, 2026, according to the latest reported update.

Passengers with bookings during this period should review their reservations for cancellation notices and contact the airline to confirm the available alternatives.

10. Gulf Air

Gulf Air has previously announced cancellations affecting Riyadh services. Its operational status has been updated since its initial cancellation notice, so an older cancellation notice should not be taken as confirmation of the current schedule.

Passengers travelling between Bahrain and Riyadh should check the airline’s latest flight information and contact its customer service team if their booking has been affected.

11. IndiGo

IndiGo has extended its flight suspensions affecting several Saudi destinations.

The latest reported dates are:

– Riyadh: Cancellations through October 31, 2026.

– Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah: Cancellations through October 27, 2026.

The airline has advised affected passengers to look out for notifications sent using the contact details previously provided. Customers who booked through travel agencies should contact those agencies for assistance.

Passengers travelling for business, family visits or religious purposes should check the latest advisory before arranging replacement transportation.

12. ITA Airways

Italy’s ITA Airways has reported cancellations on its Riyadh routes through November 18, 2026.

Passengers planning to travel between Riyadh and destinations served by the carrier should consult its official travel information page for updated schedules and any available rebooking options.

13. KLM

KLM has extended cancellations affecting its Riyadh and Dammam services through October 31, 2026, according to the reported updates.

Passengers with upcoming bookings should check their flight status and review any rebooking instructions issued by the airline. Travellers with connecting itineraries should confirm that all flights remain valid.

14. Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways has reported disruption to services involving Riyadh.

Because operational information can change as airlines review their schedules, passengers travelling between Kuwait and Riyadh should consult the latest airline advisory rather than relying on any previously published cancellation dates.

15. Lufthansa

Lufthansa Group has extended the reported suspension of its Riyadh flights through November 18, 2026. Separate updates have also indicated disruption affecting its Dammam services.

Passengers booked on Lufthansa Group airlines should check the airline operating each flight, particularly when a journey includes multiple connecting services. They should also confirm whether their booking has been automatically changed or requires further action.

16. Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines has continued to report disruption affecting its Riyadh services.

The airline has resumed scheduled flights to and from Jeddah and Madinah, according to earlier updates. However, travellers should not assume that the status of these routes confirms the availability of Riyadh flights.

Passengers should check the latest schedule for their specific destination before confirming onward transport.

17. Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines has extended the reported suspension of flights to and from Riyadh through November 29, 2026.

Passengers with affected bookings should watch for official notifications explaining their available options. The return of services will depend on the airline’s operational assessment and subsequent schedule announcements.

18. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways previously announced cancellations affecting its Riyadh and Dammam flights through October 24, 2026. It also reported a reduction in services to Jeddah, from seven daily flights to four.

Since October 24 is the final date in that earlier notice, passengers should check whether a new advisory has been issued before travelling. Those travelling through Doha should verify the status of their entire itinerary, including connecting flights.

19. Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air has published travel updates for passengers affected by the disruption at King Khalid International Airport.

The airline’s official travel-update page lists specific cancelled services for October 24 and October 25. Its current published flexibility policy covers eligible bookings through November 7, 2026.

Under the stated conditions, eligible passengers may be able to rebook onto available Riyadh Air-operated flights for travel through November 30, 2026. A full refund may also be available for qualifying unused bookings.

Passengers who booked through a travel agent should contact that agent directly. Those who booked with Riyadh Air should use the airline’s official digital channels to review their options.

20. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has postponed the launch of its planned non-stop service to and from Riyadh until March 28, 2027, according to the reported schedule update.

Travellers who planned to use this route should review the airline’s current booking information and consider alternative connections.

21. SriLankan Airlines

SriLankan Airlines has extended reported cancellations affecting Riyadh services. Recent travel updates indicate a suspension through November 1, 2026.

Passengers should check the airline’s current booking information before making plans as the return of services remains subject to further operational announcements.

What Should Passengers Do if Their Flight Is Cancelled?

A cancellation does not necessarily mean that a passenger must purchase an entirely new ticket. Depending on the airline’s policy, ticket conditions and reason for disruption, rebooking or a refund may be available.

Check your booking first

Visit the airline’s official website or app and enter your booking reference and surname before checking if the flight is cancelled, delayed, rescheduled or operating as planned.

Contact the airline or travel agent

Passengers who booked directly should contact the airline. Those who purchased tickets through a travel agency or online booking platform may need to contact that provider to make changes.

Ask about refund and rebooking options

Before purchasing another ticket, ask whether the original booking qualifies for a refund, free date change or alternative routing. Keep copies of cancellation notifications and any correspondence with the airline.

Check connecting flights

If your journey includes a connecting flight, confirm that the connection is still possible. Do not assume that a change to the first flight automatically updates every other part of the itinerary.

Keep contact details updated

Make sure the airline or travel agent has your current phone number and email address. This helps ensure you receive important notices about changes to your booking.

Are There Alternative Ways to Travel From Riyadh?

Passengers who cannot travel by air on their original date may consider alternative arrangements within Saudi Arabia or to neighbouring Gulf countries.

Depending on the destination and current availability, these options may include intercity buses, rail services on eligible routes or road travel with a licensed transport provider.

However, travelling to another city or crossing an international border is not automatically a suitable replacement for a cancelled flight. Before making arrangements, travellers should confirm:

– The availability of bus, rail or road transport.

– The distance, cost and expected journey time.

– Any visa, residency or entry requirements for international travel.

– Whether their airline can provide an alternative departure airport or route.

Passengers should also consider their luggage, accommodation and onward connections before committing to a different travel plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Riyadh Airport closed on October 24, 2026?

King Khalid International Airport has reopened after its temporary closure earlier in October. However, flight cancellations and schedule changes continue to affect selected airlines and routes. Travellers should verify their own flight before going to the airport.

Which airlines have cancelled flights to Riyadh?

Reported cancellations affect airlines including Air Arabia, Air France, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, IndiGo, ITA Airways, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa Group, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Riyadh Air, Singapore Airlines and SriLankan Airlines. The dates and affected destinations differ by carrier.

Are flights to Jeddah and Dammam also affected?

Yes. Several airlines have reported disruptions affecting Jeddah and Dammam, while cancellations have also affected Madinah and other Saudi destinations. Travellers should check the status of their specific route.

Can passengers receive a refund for a cancelled flight?

A refund may be available depending on the airline, ticket conditions and the circumstances of the cancellation. Passengers should review the airline’s current policy and follow its official refund process.

Should I go to Riyadh Airport if my flight is scheduled today?

Check your flight status and contact the airline before leaving. Even if the airport is open, your particular service may have been cancelled, rescheduled or changed.

Final Update for Travellers

Flight schedules involving Riyadh remain subject to changes, even after the reopening of King Khalid International Airport. Cancellation dates can differ between airlines and may be extended or revised at short notice.

The safest approach is to confirm your booking directly with the operating airline, keep your contact information updated and review rebooking or refund options before making additional travel arrangements.

This report reflects information available on October 24, 2026. Airline announcements may change, so passengers should always rely on the latest official travel advisory for their specific flight.