Riyadh airport shutdown cuts cargo capacity and suspends flights after attacks

Closure and capacity loss

King Khalid International Airport was declared unavailable until 9 p.m. UTC on 17 October, extending a suspension that began after attacks. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation kept the airport closed while safety checks were completed, without giving a reopening date. Combined inbound and outbound cargo capacity across Saudi Arabia fell 33% to 7,292 tonnes, a loss of 3,537 tonnes, with capacity at Riyadh dropping from 3,925 tonnes to 26 tonnes.

Airline service disruptions

Air France‑KLM suspended its Riyadh services until the end of October, and Etihad cancelled Abu Dhabi–Riyadh flights until 19 October. Delta postponed the launch of its Atlanta–Riyadh route from 23 October to March 2027 and said it would evaluate options for the route amid the violence. The airline had planned daily service initially, shifting to three times weekly after 30 October.

Attack impact and casualties

A Houthi missile struck Terminal 3 at King Khalid International Airport. Saudi authorities confirmed the airport’s temporary suspension while damage and safety were assessed.

The Houthi militia said its attack killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300. Saudi authorities reported 12 deaths and 50 injuries.

Other reports noted four attacks on Riyadh airport in the past week, with at least 18 deaths and more than 300 wounded, according to Saudi civil‑defence statements.

Safety advisories

Airport officials issued an urgent advisory asking passengers not to travel to the airport without prior verification. Masra Duty Free’s acting chief executive expressed deep sadness over the death of a colleague and injuries to others at Terminal 3.