The closure of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport was extended on Sunday, October 11, following deadly attacks on the airport. The disruption continues to affect travel plans at the start of the week: Etihad has cancelled more services for October 12–13, while Australian and British government advisories warn against travel to the airport.
For anyone with a Riyadh booking, a departure time printed on a ticket is not enough to confirm that the journey can proceed. Check the operating airline’s latest notice, the status of each flight and the security advice relevant to your nationality before making your way to the terminal.
What Is Confirmed About the Airport Closure?
AFP reported on Sunday that aviation sources had confirmed a further halt to operations following the closure announced the previous evening. One source described the suspension as continuing until further notice. Flight tracker Flightradar24 separately reported a 24-hour extension running until 21:00 UTC on October 11.
That published deadline has now passed, and should not be treated as confirmation that flights have restarted. The sources checked for this article do not establish a new, verified reopening time. Monday’s airline notice still lists cancellations into Tuesday, so passengers need fresh confirmation for their own journey.
Renewed Threats Bring Stronger Travel Warnings
Yemen’s Houthis renewed their warning against using Saudi airports and airspace on Sunday. Reuters’ updated report says Saturday’s attack killed 13 people and wounded more than 300, with another person killed in a separate strike on Riyadh airport on Sunday, according to Saudi authorities. The group’s threats and claims of responsibility should be distinguished from independently confirmed airport operating information.
Australia’s current advice, updated on October 12, says not to travel to King Khalid International Airport because of the recent security incidents. It advises Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Saudi Arabia overall and to other airports in the country. Anyone choosing to travel despite the advice is told to confirm their flight before leaving for the airport.
The UK’s travel advisory, current on October 12, advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh province and all Saudi airports except Medina International Airport. It also tells British nationals to avoid King Khalid until it is secure. The Medina exception is a distinction in that advisory, rather than a guarantee that a particular route will operate.
Etihad Lists More Cancellations on October 12–13
Etihad Airways lists six cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh across Monday and Tuesday in its flight update. The airline attributes the changes to regional disruption and warns that further schedule changes remain possible.
On October 12, the cancelled Riyadh services are EY555 and EY559 from Abu Dhabi, and EY556 and EY560 in the opposite direction. On October 13, the affected flights are EY551 to Riyadh and EY552 to Abu Dhabi.
Etihad’s notice also includes cancellations serving Dammam and Jeddah on those dates. The Riyadh services listed here are not a complete list of affected Saudi flights or a prediction that other airlines will follow the same timetable.
What to Do if You Have a Riyadh Booking
Contact your airline or the travel agent that issued the ticket before setting out. Ask which rebooking or refund options are available for your reservation, and check the impact on onward flights, hotel arrivals and airport transfers. Keep the latest airline message and revised itinerary together, especially if different companies handle separate parts of your trip.
Etihad says cancelled-flight customers will receive an email explaining their options, including rebooking arrangements for connecting journeys. Passengers should keep their contact details current in Manage Booking so changes can reach them promptly.
Our earlier recovery report described the resumption after October 8 incidents. The new weekend attacks and subsequent closure change that picture; the earlier report should not be used as evidence that today’s flight is operating.
Before accepting an alternative route, check the latest government advice for every airport involved and ask your insurer how it affects your cover. A replacement booking still needs to be assessed against current conditions and the instructions of local authorities.
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