••
Several major international airlines, including Lufthansa, British Airways, and Qatar Airways, have indefinitely suspended their flight operations to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. This collective decision comes in the wake of a significant and deadly attack by Houthi militia forces on the facility. The strike resulted in 18 fatalities and left hundreds of others injured, sparking immediate safety concerns among global aviation stakeholders and prompting a re-evaluation of flight paths over the region.
The impact of the attack was felt immediately throughout the aviation sector, with more than 80% of all scheduled flights at King Khalid International Airport being canceled on Monday. While Saudi authorities have since reopened the airport for both take-offs and landings, the lingering threat to security has kept many foreign carriers away. Most of the affected airlines have indicated that their services will remain suspended for several weeks or indefinitely until a comprehensive safety assessment can be completed and security guarantees are provided.
The decision by these prominent carriers to avoid the Saudi capital highlights the precarious security situation in the region following the militia strike. Although local operations may have resumed, the move by international airlines signals a cautious approach to protecting passengers and crew members in volatile environments. Travelers planning trips to or from Riyadh are currently advised to monitor flight statuses closely and seek alternative arrangements as the industry awaits further stability before restoring full service to the kingdom's primary international hub.