Riyadh Airport Limits Traffic Following Houthi Attacks

Operational Restrictions at King Khalid International Airport

Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) has implemented severe restrictions on air travel following a series of missile and drone strikes by Houthi rebels. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) mandating that all landings and departures at the hub now require prior permission. Furthermore, the airport has been removed from the list of approved emergency alternate facilities, citing safety risks to flight operations.

These measures follow a period of intense military activity in the region. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the group executed six military operations within a 48-hour window, targeting multiple Saudi airports, military installations, and facilities belonging to Aramco. While the exact extent of damage from each strike remains subject to verification, reports indicate that the attacks have damaged airport infrastructure and destroyed at least one aircraft on the ground.

Impact on International Carriers

The security situation has forced significant adjustments to airline schedules across the Middle East and beyond. Several major carriers have suspended or reduced services to Riyadh and other affected Saudi cities. Etihad Airways has confirmed the cancellation of all flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah through at least October 24, 2026. Qatar Airways has also announced a temporary suspension of its operations to Riyadh and Dammam, though the airline did not initially provide a specific end date for the suspension in its travel alerts.

Other international operators, including Air India and Akasa Air, have also curtailed their services to the Kingdom. The disruption has created substantial logistical challenges for airlines and passengers alike, with hundreds of flights canceled or rerouted to avoid the affected airspace.

Aviation Security Context

Industry experts and regulators have expressed concern over the sustained nature of these attacks. Mark Zee, founder of the aviation safety organization OPSGROUP, noted that the intensity of the strikes on civil aviation infrastructure is unprecedented, requiring a fundamental reassessment of regional flight risks.

In response to the evolving security environment, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a caution NOTAM for Saudi Arabian airspace. The advisory, which remains in effect through December 10, 2026, urges U.S. operators to exercise extreme caution due to the ongoing risk of military activities. This situation mirrors historical precedents, such as the 2019–2021 period, when repeated strikes on Abha International Airport similarly disrupted civil aviation and forced temporary operational halts.