Airlines halt Riyadh flights after airport attacks

Lufthansa Group (LHAd) has suspended its flights to Riyadh through October 16, 2026, in response to the security situation in Saudi Arabia. The decision affects services to the Saudi capital as the carrier evaluates risks following recent attacks. The suspension underscores the impact of regional tensions on international aviation links to the kingdom.

Indian carriers have taken similar steps. Air India has cancelled all flights to and from Riyadh until October 10, 2026, while IndiGo has halted its Riyadh services through October 9, 2026. Akasa Air has also cancelled and suspended flights to and from Riyadh, including Kochi–Riyadh services on October 8, through October 10, 2026.

These moves collectively remove a significant portion of international capacity into Riyadh over the coming days. Passengers booked on affected services face cancellations and schedule changes as airlines adjust operations to the evolving security environment.

The airline suspensions follow Houthi claims of strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 7–8, 2026, and reports of explosions in the capital. Airport operations at King Khalid International were temporarily halted while authorities assessed damage and safety. The incidents disrupted air traffic and contributed to widespread flight delays and cancellations.

Saudi authorities said missiles targeting Riyadh were intercepted, but falling debris caused damage on the ground. Officials reported that attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports in the latest wave left three people dead and dozens injured. The combination of direct impacts and debris heightened concerns over the safety of airport infrastructure and surrounding areas.

Images shared on social media and verified by news organizations showed smoke rising near airport facilities and damage to aircraft, illustrating the proximity of the strikes to active aviation operations. These visuals reinforced the perception of elevated risk for airlines and travelers using Saudi airports during the current escalation.

The suspension of flights by Lufthansa Group (LHAd) and multiple Indian carriers has immediate consequences for connectivity between Saudi Arabia, Europe and India. Business travelers, expatriate workers and transit passengers are among those most affected by the reduced service to Riyadh. With suspensions stretching up to October 16, 2026, some routes will remain unavailable for more than a week.

Travelers have been advised to monitor flight status and be prepared for rapid changes to schedules as carriers continue to assess conditions. The potential for further airspace restrictions or additional service adjustments remains a key operational consideration for airlines serving Saudi destinations.

The disruptions come as Saudi Arabia’s aviation network manages both security concerns and the logistics of resuming safe operations after each incident. The latest attacks and resulting airline responses highlight how quickly regional security events can ripple through international flight schedules and passenger plans.