Flight cancellations and delays to and from Saudi Arabia have affected several airlines operating from India and the UAE following security concerns and operational disruptions at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The disruptions followed claims by Yemen’s Houthi group that it had attacked the airport, although Saudi authorities have not confirmed the claim. Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air have reported disruptions to services on routes connecting with Saudi Arabia.
Kerala services have been among those affected, with cancellations reported at Kochi and disruptions to Riyadh flights serving Kozhikode and Kannur. Cancelled Kochi services included Akasa Air flights QP524 and QP523 and Air India Express flights IX522 and IX521 on the Riyadh route, along with Akasa Air’s QP550 service to Jeddah. Air India Express has announced cancellations of Riyadh services connecting Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur until October 12. Other flights, including services operated by Flynas and Saudia, have operated with delays.
UAE–Saudi routes have also been affected, with cancellations reported on selected Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia services between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Riyadh, as well as some other Saudi destinations. As schedules may change at short notice, passengers should check their flight status through their airline’s official website or app before leaving for the airport. Travellers affected by cancellations should contact their airline or booking agent to confirm refund and rebooking options.
