Saudia Reports Pilot Fatality and Aircraft Damage in Riyadh Airport Attacks

Update — October 22, 2026 5:12 PM CST: Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority announced that operations at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam have resumed following an attack on Wednesday. The strike killed two individuals and injured eight others, while separate attacks targeted Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oil field.

Update — October 22, 2026 3:14 PM CST: Drone and missile attacks on aviation infrastructure led to the cancellation of approximately one-third of flights departing Saudi Arabia. In response to ongoing flight suspensions and travel disruption, Saudi authorities postponed the Future Investment Initiative originally set for October 26 to 29. While domestic carriers have partially resumed flights, foreign carriers remain reluctant to restore full service.

Update — October 22, 2026 3:14 PM CST: Drone and missile strikes targeting transport infrastructure caused the cancellation of roughly one-third of flights departing Saudi Arabia. Consequently, authorities postponed the Future Investment Initiative summit scheduled for October 26 to 29 in Riyadh.

Update — October 22, 2026 3:14 PM CST: Drone and missile attacks targeting aviation infrastructure have disrupted Saudi air travel, causing roughly one-third of scheduled departures to be cancelled. In response to persistent disruptions and safety concerns, authorities have postponed the Future Investment Initiative scheduled for October 26-29.

Update — October 22, 2026 11:12 AM CST: A projectile strike on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed one person and injured eight, prompting a US departure order for non-emergency personnel. The incident and repeated strikes on aviation infrastructure have led to major flight cancellations, leaving Riyadh airport with limited domestic services and causing European carriers to suspend flights through November.

Update — October 22, 2026 10:39 AM CST: Delta Air Lines and Cathay Pacific have extended flight suspensions to Riyadh into 2027 following attacks on King Khalid International Airport. Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation reopened the airport on October 17 but requires prior permission for all operations. Air France-KLM has also prolonged its flight suspension to Riyadh through November 7.

Update — October 21, 2026 9:13 PM CST: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reopened to limited flight traffic on Wednesday following closures caused by projectile strikes. Domestic airlines including Saudia and flynas resumed flights under prior regulatory clearance, while major international carriers have canceled flights through mid-November. The airport had been mostly shut since October 10.

Update — October 21, 2026 2:12 PM CST: Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air have extended flight cancellations to Saudi Arabia until at least October 24, 2026, amid security concerns. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also extended an airspace warning covering parts of the Gulf through mid-November.

Update — October 21, 2026 1:12 AM CST: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has resumed commercial operations following closures caused by missile and drone attacks. Saudi aviation authorities are requiring airlines to secure special clearance prior to flights. Despite the reopening, major carriers continue flight suspensions to regional and international hubs, with some delays extending into 2027.

Update — October 21, 2026 12:12 AM CST: Lufthansa Group has extended the suspension of flights to Riyadh through November 18, 2026, and to Dammam through November 30. Despite restricted reopening notices, standard commercial operations at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport remain disrupted. Select regional services to the UAE are planned to resume starting October 25.

Update — October 20, 2026 5:13 AM CST: More than 45 percent of scheduled flight departures across Saudi Arabia have been cancelled since October 8 following security incidents at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Operations in the capital remain halted, prompting carriers to reroute domestic traffic to alternative airports such as Qassim. Residents and business travellers are increasingly relying on overland travel to catch commercial flights out of neighbouring Bahrain and Qatar.

Update — October 20, 2026 3:12 AM CST: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remains closed until further notice following repeated Houthi missile and drone strikes. The shutdown has prompted airlines to reroute flights through alternate hubs and forced the postponement of major events, including the Future Investment Initiative forum.

Update — October 19, 2026 6:14 PM CST: UAE carriers Etihad Airways and flydubai have extended flight cancellations to multiple destinations in Saudi Arabia until October 24 following ongoing regional disruption. The move follows an attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on October 10. Separately, Malaysia Airlines resumed flights to Jeddah and Madinah on October 18 after a six-day suspension.

Update — October 19, 2026 12:13 PM CST: The Indian government and its embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a safety advisory on October 18, 2026, amid security tensions. Flights between India and Saudi Arabia face disruptions following strikes targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

Update — October 19, 2026 12:13 PM CST: The Indian government and its embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a safety advisory on October 18, 2026, advising citizens to take precautions amid security tensions. The advisory follows flight schedule disruptions after strikes targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. While Indian carriers extended route suspensions to the kingdom, Saudi Arabian Airlines maintains select flights.

Update — October 18, 2026 5:11 PM CST: Air India and Air India Express extended flight cancellations to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam through October 24, 2026, citing security and operational disruptions. Affected travelers with tickets issued on or before October 15 can access complimentary date changes or full refunds. Akasa Air has also extended suspensions to Riyadh and Jeddah.

Update — October 18, 2026 5:11 PM CST: Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of flights to and from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam through October 24, 2026. The airlines cited security conditions and operational disruptions across Saudi Arabia, offering affected travelers date-change waivers or full refunds. Akasa Air has also prolonged its flight suspensions to Riyadh and Jeddah.

Update — October 18, 2026 5:10 PM CST: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has reopened following temporary closures triggered by attacks from Yemen's Houthi movement. Despite the reopening, airlines including Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia, and Scoot continue to cancel or adjust flights to Saudi destinations.

Update — October 18, 2026 2:11 PM CST: More than 4,000 scheduled flights across Saudi Arabia were cancelled or failed to operate between October 8 and 15 due to widespread disruptions. Major carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai extended cancellations on regional routes. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was scheduled to remain closed until 2100 GMT on October 17.

Update — October 18, 2026 10:14 AM CST: The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia updated its travel and security advisory on October 16, 2026, amid widespread flight suspensions and the ongoing closure of Riyadh's airport. Indian carriers including Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air have cancelled multiple routes, while operations in Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina face heavy delays. Citizens seeking urgent departure were advised to consider transit via Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar.

Update — October 18, 2026 10:13 AM CST: The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued an updated security and travel advisory following disruptions and the continued closure of Riyadh's airport. Multiple Indian carriers extended flight cancellations, while citizens needing urgent departure were advised to consider transit via neighboring Gulf states.

Update — October 18, 2026 1:13 AM CST: Western governments upgraded travel advisories for Saudi Arabia following strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. While a NOTAM restricting operations at Riyadh ended on October 17, several international carriers have suspended or cancelled regional routes. Hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha remain operational to handle diverted traffic.

Update — October 18, 2026 1:13 AM CST: The UK, US, Australia, and New Zealand have upgraded travel advisories for Saudi Arabia following strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Multiple international airlines have cancelled or suspended regional flights, while regional hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha manage diverted passenger traffic.

Update — October 17, 2026 6:13 PM CST: The US Federal Aviation Administration has advised carriers to avoid the Jeddah Flight Information Region following strikes on Riyadh's airport. Meanwhile, plans to resume US-Lebanon direct flights remain stalled due to regional airspace safety concerns.

Update — October 17, 2026 6:12 PM CST: Commercial flights to and from Riyadh remain suspended following repeated drone and missile strikes targeting King Khalid International Airport. Casualties have been reported, and authorities aim to reopen the airport on Sunday pending confirmation. Both the US State Department and the UK Foreign Office have updated travel warnings for Saudi Arabia.

Update — October 17, 2026 1:10 PM CST: The Australian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has warned citizens against transiting through King Khalid International Airport amid persistent airspace closures and cancellations. Diplomats advised travelers to consider overland transport to reach alternative hubs in the UAE and Qatar. The advisory highlighted risks of attacks on aviation facilities and urged passengers to limit time in terminals.

Update — October 17, 2026 1:10 PM CST: Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has raised its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia to 'do not travel' following strikes on civilian infrastructure. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was confirmed shuttered through Sunday morning Australian time. Australian citizens have been urged to postpone all travel to the country amid potential regional airspace disruptions.

Update — October 17, 2026 9:12 AM CST: A total of 107 flights to Riyadh and Dammam were cancelled due to airport closures in Saudi Arabia. The disruptions stranded 16,620 passengers across direct and transit services operated by multiple regional and international airlines.

Update — October 17, 2026 3:12 AM CST: More than 15 international and regional airlines have suspended or cancelled flights to and from Saudi Arabia following regional security incidents. Aviation data provider Cirium recorded 552 cancelled departures out of 1,178 scheduled Saudi flights on October 15, with Riyadh airport being the most impacted.

Update — October 16, 2026 10:12 PM CST: India has issued an updated advisory urging its citizens in Saudi Arabia to stay indoors during aerial attacks and follow local authorities' directives. Riyadh International Airport remains closed to flight operations, prompting Indian carriers to extend flight cancellations through late October. Travelers have been advised to anticipate extended stays or consider transit through neighboring Gulf states.

Update — October 16, 2026 3:12 PM CST: Civil aviation authorities in Saudi Arabia have enforced operational curbs at key airports, including daytime-only flights at Abha International Airport through October 15, 2026. Najran and Jazan airports remain closed, while operations at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport are suspended through October 17. Airlines including flydubai have halted services to several Saudi destinations.

Update — October 16, 2026 9:12 AM CST: International airlines have suspended flights to Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport following projectile strikes that damaged six aircraft on the ground. Cirium data shows 81.4 percent of scheduled departures from the airport were cancelled on October 15. Carriers including Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Cathay Pacific, and Philippine Airlines have extended suspensions into late October.

Update — October 16, 2026 9:12 AM CST: International carriers have extended flight suspensions at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport following repeated projectile attacks that damaged six grounded aircraft. Cirium reported that 81.4 percent of scheduled departures were cancelled on October 15. Major airlines including Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, and Air France have prolonged cancellations into late October.

Update — October 16, 2026 9:11 AM CST: Escalating attacks on Saudi airports and regional hostilities have compressed Europe-Asia flight paths into an 85-nautical-mile corridor. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration advised airlines to avoid the Jeddah Flight Information Region due to military activity and GNSS jamming. Air traffic rerouting has led to a fivefold increase in flights crossing South Caucasus airspace over Azerbaijan.

Update — October 16, 2026 8:11 AM CST: The US FAA and Europe's EASA have issued safety advisories warning airlines of military risks and navigation interference in Saudi Arabian airspace. The advisories restrict key air corridors between Europe and Asia that had already been rerouted away from Iran and Iraq.

Update — October 16, 2026 5:15 AM CST: The Indian Embassy in Riyadh announced that flight cancellations between India and four Saudi cities will remain in place through October 24, 2026. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remains closed while disruptions continue at Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah airports. Several Indian carriers have extended their flight suspensions accordingly.

Update — October 16, 2026 3:11 AM CST: The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council summit has been postponed following the prolonged closure of Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The shutdown followed an October 10 missile attack, leading to widened European airspace warnings and route suspensions by airlines including Lufthansa Group.

Update — October 16, 2026 3:11 AM CST: The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council summit has been postponed following the extended closure of Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The shutdown followed an October 10 missile attack, prompting expanded EASA airspace warnings and commercial flight halts.

Update — October 16, 2026 3:11 AM CST: Travel agencies across the UAE have observed a decrease in Umrah pilgrimage bookings following strikes on Saudi aviation infrastructure. Operations at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport remain halted after an incident on October 10, prompting travelers to reroute flights.

Update — October 15, 2026 5:15 PM CST: The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has advised citizens to remain indoors during aerial attacks after multiple Indian nationals were injured at Riyadh's airport facility. Major Indian airlines have suspended all operations to and from Saudi Arabia through October 17, 2026, amid widespread airport disruptions.

Update — October 15, 2026 8:12 AM CST: Restricted operations at Saudi airports following attacks on King Khalid International Airport have disrupted travel for 15,393 passengers from Bangladesh. A total of 100 direct and transit flights were cancelled, including routes operated by Emirates, Flydubai, and Qatar Airways. Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended its services to Riyadh and Dammam until October 17.

Update — October 15, 2026 8:12 AM CST: Operational restrictions at Saudi airports following attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport have disrupted travel for 15,393 passengers. A total of 100 direct and transit flights from Dhaka were cancelled, affecting major Middle Eastern and regional carriers.

Update — October 15, 2026 3:12 AM CST: Cebu Pacific has extended the suspension of flights connecting Manila and Riyadh through October 31, 2026. The airline cited escalating regional conflict and strikes targeting Saudi airports as the reason for the decision. Impacted travelers are offered free rebooking, refunds, or conversion to travel funds.

Update — October 15, 2026 1:13 AM CST: Malaysia Airlines has suspended all scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru to Jeddah and Madinah between October 12 and October 17. The carrier cited precautionary safety measures following strikes against airports in Saudi Arabia. Affected passengers are being contacted directly for alternative travel arrangements and rebooking assistance.

Update — October 15, 2026 1:13 AM CST: Greece's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia, citing airspace restrictions and security threats. The advisory follows disruptions that led airlines to suspend flights and closed Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.

Update — October 15, 2026 1:12 AM CST: Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation extended flight suspensions at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until 2100 GMT on October 17. The closure affects nearly 700 flights per day, with nationwide cancellations reaching 46.4 percent.

Update — October 14, 2026 10:13 PM CST: Delta Air Lines has postponed its planned non-stop service between Atlanta and Riyadh until March 2027, citing regional security concerns. The decision follows the extended closure of Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport after aerial attacks on the Saudi capital. Delta has introduced travel waivers allowing affected travellers to rebook or request refunds.

Update — October 14, 2026 10:13 PM CST: Delta Air Lines has delayed the start of its non-stop service between Atlanta and Riyadh until March 2027 due to regional security tensions. The decision follows the extended closure of Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport after aerial attacks. Delta has issued travel waivers enabling affected travelers to rebook or claim refunds.

Update — October 14, 2026 11:12 AM CST: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh faces operational shutdowns following security incidents, cutting nationwide Saudi air cargo capacity by 33 percent. Multiple international airlines have suspended flights, while government advisories warn against travel to Riyadh and southern Saudi provinces.

Update — October 14, 2026 4:14 AM CST: Airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai cancelled and rerouted regional flights following strikes on Saudi aviation infrastructure. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport recorded over 600 cancellations on Sunday alongside significant disruptions in Jeddah and Dammam. Aviation authorities have urged travelers passing through Middle Eastern hubs to prepare for delays and schedule revisions.

Update — October 14, 2026 4:12 AM CST: Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation announced that commercial flights at King Khalid International Airport will remain suspended until Saturday, October 17. Scheduled flights have been diverted to regional airports including Madinah and Qassim. Passengers are being redirected to intercity road routes and the rail network.

Update — October 14, 2026 1:12 AM CST: Saudi authorities extended the operational closure of Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport through October 17 following repeated strikes. Nationwide air travel cancellations reached 46.4 percent, with traffic rerouted away from Riyadh while Jeddah flights continued. Major international regulators and airlines have issued warnings and prolonged flight cancellations.

Update — October 14, 2026 1:12 AM CST: Saudi authorities extended the operational closure of Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport through October 17 following repeated missile and drone strikes. Flight cancellations across Saudi airports reached 46.4 percent, while air traffic is being rerouted away from the capital. Aviation regulators including the FAA and EASA have issued security warnings for Saudi airspace, prompting international airlines to cancel flights.

Update — October 14, 2026 1:12 AM CST: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has extended its closure through October 17 at 21:00 GMT following strikes on aviation infrastructure. Delta Air Lines postponed its route launch to March 2027, while regional carriers including Etihad and Emirates extended flight cancellations.

Update — October 14, 2026 12:12 AM CST: Cebu Pacific has cancelled scheduled flights between the Philippines and Riyadh through October 31, 2026, amid security concerns. Philippine Airlines has also suspended Manila-Riyadh services until late November following damage at King Khalid International Airport. Saudi aviation authorities shut airport operations following strikes in Riyadh.

Update — October 14, 2026 12:11 AM CST: Cebu Pacific has cancelled all scheduled flights between the Philippines and Riyadh through October 31, 2026, amid security concerns. The decision follows a temporary shutdown of King Khalid International Airport by Saudi civil aviation authorities after damage was reported to terminals and communications systems.

Update — October 14, 2026 12:11 AM CST: Major Indian airlines including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India have suspended flights to multiple destinations across Saudi Arabia until Saturday, October 17, 2026. The suspensions follow strikes and heightened security risks in regional airspace. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses online before travel.

Update — October 13, 2026 8:49 PM CST: The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued a safety Notice to Airmen advising caution for US civil operators flying to or over Saudi Arabia. Effective until December 10, 2026, the directive cites hazards from military activity, drone strikes, and GNSS interference. The advisory follows strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that resulted in casualties and flight disruptions.

Update — October 13, 2026 7:12 PM CST: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its travel guidance, advising travelers to avoid King Khalid International Airport after recent strikes. Concurrently, Etihad Airways extended flight cancellations between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh through October 19. Departing travelers have been urged to consider overland transit through neighboring nations.

Update — October 13, 2026 6:11 PM CST: Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport indefinitely on October 12. Cirium reported that 99.7 percent of departures from Riyadh were cancelled on October 11, leading major international airlines to suspend flights.

Update — October 13, 2026 4:15 PM CST: Saudi authorities extended the operational closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until 2100 GMT on October 17. The shutdown follows reported missile and drone strikes, prompting extensive flight cancellations across major international and regional carriers including Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.

Update — October 13, 2026 4:15 PM CST: Saudi authorities have issued a public safety advisory urging residents and visitors to follow official instructions and remain alert. The guidance follows warnings from the US mission regarding potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Officials also cautioned that sharing unauthorized footage of missile or drone interceptions carries legal liability.

Update — October 13, 2026 2:12 PM CST: Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have suspended flight services to several cities across Saudi Arabia citing regional security disruptions. Etihad cancelled flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, with Abu Dhabi–Riyadh services suspended until October 19. The cancellations follow repeated drone and missile strikes by Yemen's Houthis targeting Saudi aviation infrastructure.

Update — October 13, 2026 1:11 PM CST: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has issued updated travel guidance warning of widespread flight cancellations and airspace closures in the Middle East. Tracking data showed Riyadh and Dammam airports closed, alongside major disruptions in Jeddah, totaling 871 flight cancellations on Sunday and 614 on Monday.

Update — October 13, 2026 8:09 AM CST: Yemeni Houthi forces have issued warnings to international airlines and commercial travelers against using Saudi Arabian airspace and airports. In response, start-up carrier Riyadh Air cancelled all scheduled flights on October 12, with disruptions continuing into October 13. The cancellations coincide with a new U.S. embassy directive requiring government personnel to seek special authorization before transiting through Riyadh.

Update — October 13, 2026 8:09 AM CST: Yemeni Houthi forces issued warnings to international airlines against operating in Saudi Arabian airports and airspace. In response to the security environment, Riyadh Air cancelled scheduled flights across October 12 and October 13, offering full refunds or rebookings.

Update — October 13, 2026 1:12 AM CST: Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until October 17 following security attacks on October 10 and 11. The disruption caused hundreds of flight cancellations across the Kingdom and impacted regional carriers including Etihad, Flydubai, Emirates, and Gulf Air. The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia also issued a travel advisory restricting official employee airport use and urging caution.

Update — October 13, 2026 1:12 AM CST: Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation has extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport until October 17 following weekend attacks. The disruption has led to hundreds of cancelled flights across the kingdom and prompted regional carriers to suspend Riyadh services. Official travel advisories have also been issued regarding Saudi airport safety.

Update — October 13, 2026 1:12 AM CST: Saudi authorities have extended the operational suspension of Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport following strikes that killed 14 people over two days. Flight cancellations across Saudi airports reached 46.4 percent, with significant disruptions also reported in Jeddah and Dammam. International regulators including EASA and the FAA have issued warnings regarding operations in Saudi airspace.

Update — October 12, 2026 11:16 PM CST: Major international and regional airlines have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia following strikes on Riyadh's international airport. Carriers including Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad, and Lufthansa Group have cancelled or halted services to destinations including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

Update — October 12, 2026 7:13 PM CST: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece issued a travel advisory on October 11, 2026, cautioning citizens against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. The advisory cited a worsening regional security situation and widening flight restrictions across Saudi airspace. Greek nationals in the country were urged to contact their airlines immediately to check flight statuses.

Update — October 12, 2026 7:13 PM CST: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece has advised its citizens against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia, citing regional security conditions and flight restrictions. Nationals currently in the kingdom were urged to confirm flight operations directly with airlines.

Update — October 12, 2026 5:11 PM CST: Strikes targeting Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport have prompted operational closures, embassy travel warnings, and regional flight cancellations. Airlines have cancelled flights connecting India with Saudi Arabia, Doha, and Ras Al Khaimah between October 11 and 13.

Update — October 12, 2026 3:12 PM CST: Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai have cancelled flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah amid widespread flight disruptions across Saudi Arabia. Aviation data firm Cirium reported that 99.72 percent of scheduled departures from Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport were cancelled or grounded on October 11. In total, 2,018 departures across the network were disrupted between October 8 and October 13 following a strike on a passenger terminal.

Update — October 12, 2026 1:12 PM CST: Flight disruptions intensified across Saudi Arabia on Monday, October 12, resulting in nearly 1,500 cancellations over two days across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Major UAE carriers including Etihad Airways, Emirates, and flydubai extended flight suspensions on Saudi routes. The US Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety advisory advising caution.

Update — October 12, 2026 8:11 AM CST: The FAA has issued a Notice to Airmen advising US airlines to exercise heightened caution in Saudi Arabian airspace through December 10, 2026. Riyadh's international airport remained closed following strikes, while the UK and US embassies issued travel advisories against using Saudi airports.

Update — October 11, 2026 11:13 PM CST: South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia to Level 3 on October 11. The decision recommends citizens depart the country and cancel non-urgent travel following strikes on civilian infrastructure, including airports.

Update — October 11, 2026 3:12 PM CST: The United States Mission in Saudi Arabia has issued a security alert advising US citizens to avoid King Khalid International Airport and its surrounding areas following attacks on October 10. The mission mandated special authorization for US government employees using airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Travelers were also warned of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and disruptions across the Kingdom.

Update — October 11, 2026 6:11 AM CST: The US and UK embassies in Saudi Arabia advised citizens on October 10, 2026, to avoid King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following security incidents. The US Mission cautioned travelers about potential flight cancellations and airspace closures, while the UK embassy cited a serious incident around 15:00 local time.

Update — October 11, 2026 3:15 AM CST: Kuwait Airways suspended two scheduled flights connecting Kuwait City and Riyadh on October 10, 2026, citing airport closures linked to regional security developments. Airport officials in Riyadh advised passengers to check flight statuses directly with their airlines before travelling to terminals. The cancellations followed heightened concerns regarding civilian aviation safety after reported missile strikes in Saudi Arabia.

Update — October 11, 2026 3:15 AM CST: A missile struck a passenger terminal at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, injuring multiple people and triggering evacuations. Flight tracking platforms reported 266 flight cancellations and 219 delays across the network, with regional airlines including Etihad Airways and Kuwait Airways suspending services.

Update — October 11, 2026 1:11 AM CST: Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation temporarily suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following an attack on October 10 that caused several injuries. Airport management advised travelers to check with their airlines before heading to terminals. The strike follows previous cross-border attacks that caused fatalities at the aviation hub earlier in the week.

Update — October 11, 2026 1:11 AM CST: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has advised British nationals to stay away from Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport following a security incident. The advisory also reaffirmed travel warnings for Saudi Arabia's Aseer province.

Update — October 10, 2026 11:16 PM CST: Lufthansa Group has suspended all flights to and from Riyadh through October 16, 2026, citing regional security developments. Multiple carriers including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air also cancelled services following reported strikes on King Khalid International Airport.

Update — October 10, 2026 11:16 PM CST: Lufthansa Group has suspended all flights to and from Riyadh through October 16, 2026, citing regional security developments. Multiple Indian carriers including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air also cancelled services to the Saudi capital following claimed missile strikes on King Khalid International Airport.

Update — October 10, 2026 11:12 PM CST: Nearly 300 flights to and from Riyadh were disrupted on October 8 following Houthi missile strikes on Saudi airport infrastructure. According to Cirium data, 169 departures and 124 arrivals were cancelled or failed to operate, impacting carriers including Saudia and Etihad Airways.

Update — October 10, 2026 9:16 PM CST: Expeditors reported widespread flight and air cargo disruptions across Saudi Arabia following regional security incidents. Several carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Saudia, have suspended services to Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. Freight forwarders are organizing road feeder services across the Gulf to bypass air delays.