Riyadh Airport Operations Resume Amidst Ongoing Disruptions and Airline Schedule Changes

Travel to Riyadh continues to face disruptions following a claimed Houthi strike on King Khalid International Airport on October 25. Despite Saudi authorities announcing the resumption of flights, a recent report from Flightradar24 indicated only a limited number of flights departed the airport on Monday, with most scheduled departures still cancelled.

Saudi Arabia's national carrier, Saudia, is rerouting some of its Riyadh-bound services through Dammam and Al Qassim, locations situated approximately 400km northwest of the capital. Riyadh Air has also redirected several international routes to Al Qassim airport.

UAE-based airlines, including Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia, have largely maintained flight suspensions or cancellations for routes serving the Saudi capital. For passengers planning travel to Riyadh, understanding the current airline operations is crucial.

UAE Airline Flight Status to Riyadh:

• Etihad Airways has cancelled all flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh until November 5.
• Emirates airline services from Dubai to Riyadh are tentatively scheduled to resume on November 8, though these dates are subject to change.
• flydubai has cancelled its services to Riyadh through October 29.
• Air Arabia's services from Sharjah to Riyadh remain suspended, with no new resumption date announced.

Saudia Flight Operations:

Saudia flights to and from Riyadh are currently being operated via Al Qassim and Dammam airports. The airline is providing bus transfers between these airports and the Saudi capital for ticketed passengers. It is essential for passengers to verify their specific airport arrangements and bus transfer details directly with Saudia.

Riyadh Air Route Operations:

Riyadh Air has stated that, until further notice, it will operate exclusively to and from Cairo, Dhaka, Jeddah, London Heathrow, Lahore, and Islamabad, all utilizing Al Qassim airport. Passengers departing from Riyadh can check in at the InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh hotel and take a complimentary bus to Al Qassim airport, a journey estimated to take about four and a half hours. Hotel check-in opens eight hours and 15 minutes before departure and closes six hours and 30 minutes prior. Alternatively, passengers can travel directly to Al Qassim airport, where arrival at least three hours before departure is recommended.

Resumption of Normal Flights at Riyadh Airport:

The reopening of two terminals at King Khalid International Airport on October 25, with Terminal 1 for domestic and Terminal 2 for international flights operated by Saudi airlines, does not signify a full return to normal operations. Passengers with existing bookings are strongly advised to confirm flight status and airport usage with their respective airlines, as cancellations persist and airline procedures vary.

Recommendations for Passengers:

Before travelling, passengers should:

• Verify flight status directly with their airline.
• Confirm departure and arrival airports.
• Monitor airline communications for any booking changes.
• For those using airline-arranged bus transfers, confirm meeting points and departure times, allowing ample travel time.
• Passengers with onward connections affected by disruptions should consult their airline for arrangements.
• Those whose flights have been cancelled should contact their airline or booking agent to discuss rebooking or refund options.