Nearly 1,500 Flights Cancelled Across Saudi Arabia After Attacks Disrupt Riyadh, Jeddah And Dammam Airports

Nearly 1,500 flight cancellations were recorded across Saudi Arabia’s three major airports on Sunday and Monday as a series of attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels disrupted air travel, affected international airline operations and left religious pilgrims facing uncertainty.

According to Gulf Business, citing Flightradar24 data reviewed at around 5.30 am Saudi time on Monday, October 12, 871 cancellation listings were recorded on Sunday, followed by another 614 for Monday across Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. The figures may include some overlap involving flights connecting the three airports.

The disruption follows repeated attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure, including a deadly strike at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and a subsequent incident at the same airport’s Terminal 4.

Riyadh Airport Sees Highest Number Of Cancellations

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport recorded the most severe disruption. Flightradar24 data reviewed at approximately 5.30 am Saudi time on Monday showed 436 cancellations, accounting for 64% of scheduled services.

At Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, 115 flights were listed as cancelled, representing 15% of scheduled services. Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport recorded 63 cancellations, or 27% of services.

The figures followed a particularly disruptive Sunday. Riyadh recorded 655 cancellations, equivalent to 98% of scheduled flights, while Jeddah reported 158 cancellations and 393 delays. Dammam recorded 58 cancellations and 115 delays. <Cite refs={[“turn610578search0″,”turn610578view0”]}/>

Umrah Pilgrims Among Those Affected

The flight disruptions have also affected religious travel, with Umrah pilgrims among those caught up in the cancellations and airport closures.

Footage broadcast by Saudi state television showed pilgrims preparing to board flights at Riyadh airport on Saturday when a strike triggered panic inside the terminal.

Bangladesh’s expatriates’ welfare ministry said approximately 500 Bangladeshi passengers were stranded in Riyadh following the attack. The disruption has added uncertainty for travellers relying on connecting flights and international services through the kingdom’s major aviation hubs. <Cite refs={[“turn610578search0″,”turn610578view0”]}/>

Fresh Attacks Reported At Riyadh And Dammam Airports

Saudi Arabia’s aviation infrastructure has faced repeated attacks in recent days.

A strike at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday killed 12 people and injured 309 others, according to the figures reported by Gulf Business. A further attack struck Terminal 4 on Sunday, killing one person and injuring 11, Saudi aviation authorities said.

Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport was also targeted on Sunday evening. Saudi authorities said damage assessments and safety inspections were under way following the incident. <Cite refs={[“turn610578view0″,”turn610578news2”]}/>

The attacks have prompted heightened security measures and widespread changes to flight schedules, with travellers advised to confirm their flight status before travelling to airports.

Airlines Extend Flight Cancellations

The disruption has spread beyond Saudi Arabia, affecting international routes connecting the kingdom with the United Arab Emirates and other destinations.

• Etihad Airways: Selected flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam have been cancelled through Tuesday, October 13.
• Emirates: Selected flights between Dubai and Saudi destinations have been cancelled.
• flydubai: Cancellations on Riyadh routes have been extended until October 14.
• Lufthansa Group: The airline group has suspended Riyadh flights through October 16.
• Indian airlines: Several carriers have also cancelled services to the Saudi capital. <Cite refs={[“turn610578search0″,”turn610578news4”]}/>

Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Dubai has arranged buses to transport Saudi citizens stranded in the UAE following the cancellations.

The US Federal Aviation Administration has also issued a safety advisory urging US operators to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia, citing military activity and the possibility of navigation-system interference. The advisory is effective until December 10, according to Gulf Business. <Cite refs={[“turn610578search0”]}/>

What Travellers Should Know

With flight schedules continuing to change, passengers travelling to or through Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam should:

• Check their flight status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport.
• Confirm whether their service has been cancelled, delayed or rescheduled.
• Contact the airline or travel agent about rebooking and refund options.
• Check connecting-flight arrangements before starting their journey.

The latest figures underline the scale of the disruption across Saudi Arabia’s aviation network. With further security assessments under way following attacks on multiple airports, the situation remains uncertain for international passengers and Umrah pilgrims.

Source: Gulf Business, October 12, 2026. <Cite refs={[“turn610578search0″,”turn610578view0”]}/>