Riyadh airport struck again as Saudi Arabia records 1,041 flight cancellations

Disruption overview

Saudi Arabia recorded 1,041 flight cancellations and 1,637 delays over 10–11 October 2026 as airport attacks disrupted travel across 16 commercial airfields. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh suffered its 3rd strike in 6 days, while the wider disruption reached Dubai and Doha and left Umrah pilgrims traveling through Jeddah and Medina stranded. Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian suspended Saudi operations through 16 October, with several other airlines suspending services or reviewing their schedules. If you're affected, cash compensation isn't available for disruption caused by these attacks, but you may still have rights to a refund, rebooking, and care, depending on your flight and the applicable passenger protection rules.

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Disruption details

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was struck again on 11 October 2026, its 3rd attack in 6 days. Across Saudi Arabia, the weekend of 10–11 October brought 1,041 flight cancellations and 1,637 delays, with disruption still ongoing on 12 October.

For passengers, this meant canceled journeys, long waits, and uncertainty about when they could travel. Umrah pilgrims heading to Mecca were among those stranded, as flights through the main gateways of Jeddah and Medina were disrupted.

The latest strike followed an attack on 10 October that killed 12 people and injured 309. Missile strikes on airport infrastructure have driven the disruption, which began on 6 October and included attacks on Abha and Riyadh earlier in the week.

Saudi Arabia recorded 2,678 canceled or delayed flights over the weekend. Cancellations affected 16 commercial airfields. Riyadh was the hardest hit, with 291 cancellations on 10 October and further disruption the following day.

Affected airports also included King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and Abha International Airport. Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina, Taif Regional Airport, and Ha'il Regional Airport were also affected. The wider disruption extended to Al-Kharj.

The impact reached beyond Saudi Arabia into the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Dubai International Airport recorded 61 cancellations and 248 delays, while Hamad International Airport in Doha recorded 18 cancellations and 117 delays. Disruption across Gulf airspace also affected major routes connecting the East and West.

Several international airlines suspended services or placed their Saudi schedules under review:

• Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian suspended Saudi operations through 16 October.

• Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Philippine Airlines had services suspended or under review.

• Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic had longer suspensions in place.

• British Airways was reviewing its planned return to Riyadh, while Delta Air Lines' planned Atlanta–Riyadh launch was effectively canceled.

Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates continued operating with heightened caution. Saudia, flynas, and flyadeal remained severely disrupted, and IndiGo was also among the affected airlines. Air Canada had suspended its Dubai services until March 2027.

If your flight's affected, it's important to separate cash compensation from the support your airline may still owe you. Missile attacks are outside an airline's control, so disruptions caused by these attacks don't qualify for cash compensation under EC 261. That doesn't automatically remove your right to a refund, rebooking, or care.

Depending on your flight and the rules that apply, you may be entitled to an alternative flight or a refund if your service is canceled. During a long wait, care can include food and refreshments. If you're stranded overnight, accommodation and transportation to it may also be covered.

UK, US, Canadian, and Australian passenger protection rules may also provide refund or rebooking rights. The support you're entitled to depends on your specific journey, so follow your airline's directions about check-in and boarding.

You shouldn't have to work out your next steps alone. Ask your airline about the refund, rebooking, and assistance available for your flight. While compensation isn't available for disruption caused by these attacks, you can use AirHelp's free flight checker to check other delayed or canceled flights.

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