At least 34 flights from Pakistani airports to Riyadh have been cancelled as Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport remains closed following reported attacks, disrupting air travel between Pakistan and the Saudi capital.
According to flight schedules cited by Geo News, six flights from Karachi to Riyadh were cancelled, along with 14 from Islamabad, 12 from Lahore and two from Peshawar.
Four additional flights from Karachi to Madinah and Dammam were also cancelled, while three flights from Lahore to Dammam were called off amid wider disruptions to Saudi Arabia’s aviation network.
Riyadh Airport Closure Disrupts Regional Air Travel
The cancellations come as the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport has been extended by another 24 hours, according to an AFP report published on Monday. Aviation sources cited by AFP said radar and communications systems had sustained damage and required assessment before operations could resume.
The disruption has extended beyond Riyadh. Flights to Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam have also been affected, although operations at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam resumed after a temporary suspension.
Authorities have yet to provide a confirmed reopening time for Riyadh airport, leaving passengers facing uncertainty over departures, arrivals and connecting flights.
Regional Powers Condemn Attacks on Saudi Arabia
Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have condemned the reported Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport, describing them as a dangerous escalation that cannot be justified under any circumstances, Reuters reported.
The four countries, referred to as the R4 group, expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and backed measures taken by Riyadh to counter further threats.
The flight cancellations follow reports of deadly attacks on the airport that caused casualties and damage to airport facilities. The continuing suspension has disrupted international travel as aviation authorities assess the security situation.
Passengers travelling from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight status before leaving for the airport.