Saudi Arabia introduces live crowd updates to help Umrah pilgrims avoid congestion at Two Holy mosques

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport resumed service on Sunday following a closure due to Houthi rebel attacks in Yemen. Nonetheless, numerous airlines have yet to resume flights to Saudi Arabia, with many extending cancellations into November and beyond. This disruption is part of a broader regional uncertainty that has impacted Middle East operations for airlines.

Etihad Airways has suspended Abu Dhabi to Riyadh flights until October 19, while Dammam and Jeddah services have been affected despite showings for EY601, EY602, EY603, and EY604 on Sunday, October 18. Emirates has canceled Dubai to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam services, with six flights from Dubai to Riyadh slated for October 20, including EK815, EK817, and EK819.

Flydubai has halted flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Abha through October 19, while Air Arabia has canceled Sharjah to Riyadh, Abha, Dammam, and Taif, with no resumption date announced.

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended operations to and from Riyadh and Dammam, with no resumption date provided. Gulf Air has stated that flights after Sunday, October 18, are proceeding as scheduled, following its earlier announced Riyadh cancellations. Oman Air has suspended all Riyadh-bound and -departed flights until October 22, and SalamAir has canceled services to and from Riyadh and Dammam until October 31 due to security developments.

Air France has extended its suspension of flights to and from Riyadh until October 24. British Airways plans to launch a limited service to Riyadh on November 3, operating one daily flight, after discontinuing Jeddah services in April. Air India and Air India Express have suspended all flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam until October 24. Akasa Air has halted flights to and from Riyadh through October 24 and Jeddah until October 21.

Cathay Pacific has extended its suspension of flights to Riyadh until January 31, 2027. Pakistan International Airlines has temporarily suspended its Riyadh operations since October 9, without specifying a resumption date, while Delta Air Lines has postponed the Atlanta to Riyadh service launch until March 2027. IndiGo has canceled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah up to October 24.

Lufthansa has suspended Riyadh operations until November 18, extending its October 16 deadline, with Dammam services also affected till November 30. Eurowings, part of the group, is set to resume Jeddah flights on November 12. Malaysia Airlines has announced the resumption of Jeddah and Madinah flights on October 18 following a safety review. KLM has extended cancellations to Riyadh and Dammam until October 31.

Philippine Airlines has suspended all Riyadh flights PR654 and PR655 until November 29 due to security concerns at King Khalid International Airport. Scoot, a Singapore Airlines-owned low-cost carrier, has canceled Singapore to Jeddah flights until December 2.