1,500 Saudi Flights Cancelled After Airport Attacks
The Islamic Information
1,500 Saudi Flights Cancelled After Airport Attacks
- Flight tracking data showed 871 cancellation listings on Sunday and 614 on Monday across the three airports.
- Riyadh was hit hardest, with 98 per cent of Sunday flights cancelled after an attack that killed at least 12 people.
- Umrah pilgrims were caught in the disruption, and about 500 Bangladeshi passengers were stranded in Riyadh.
Almost 1,500 flights have been cancelled across Saudi Arabia’s three busiest airports after a series of deadly attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Data from Flightradar24, reviewed by Gulf Business at around 5.30am Saudi time on Monday, showed the disruption continuing at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
Flight Cancellations at Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam
Riyadh recorded 436 cancellations on Monday morning, which is 64 per cent of scheduled flights. Jeddah had 115 cancellations (15 per cent) and Dammam had 63 (27 per cent).
Sunday was worse. Riyadh recorded 655 cancellations, or 98 per cent of scheduled flights. Jeddah had 158 cancellations and 393 delays. Dammam had 58 cancellations and 115 delays.
| Airport | Sunday cancellations | Monday cancellations | Monday share cancelled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh (King Khalid) | 655 | 436 | 64% |
| Jeddah (King Abdulaziz) | 158 | 115 | 15% |
| Dammam (King Fahd) | 58 | 63 | 27% |
The airport-level figures may include some overlap for flights connecting the three hubs.
Attacks on Riyadh and Dammam Airports
Operations at Riyadh airport were temporarily suspended after an attack on Saturday that killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300. A further attack on Sunday hit Terminal 4, killing one person and injuring 11, according to Saudi aviation authorities.
Dammam airport was also targeted on Sunday evening. Saudi authorities said damage assessments and safety inspections were under way.
Umrah Pilgrims Stranded in Riyadh
Umrah pilgrims were among those caught in the attacks and the cancellations that followed. Footage from Saudi state television showed scores of pilgrims preparing to board flights at Riyadh airport on Saturday when a strike caused panic inside the terminal.
Bangladesh’s expatriates’ welfare ministry said about 500 Bangladeshi passengers were stranded in Riyadh.
Airlines Cancel Flights to Saudi Arabia
The cancellations have reached international carriers:
- Etihad Airways: selected flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are cancelled through Tuesday, October 13.
- Emirates: selected flights between Dubai and Saudi destinations are cancelled.
- flydubai: Riyadh route cancellations are extended until October 14.
- Lufthansa Group: Riyadh flights are suspended through October 16.
- Indian airlines: some services have also been cancelled.
Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Dubai has arranged buses for Saudi citizens stranded in the UAE.
US Aviation Safety Advisory
The US Federal Aviation Administration has urged US operators to take caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia. It cited military activity and possible interference with navigation systems. The advisory is effective until December 10.
1,500 Saudi Flights Cancelled After Airport Attacks
Mohammad bin Abdullah.
