Airlines across the globe are pulling back from Saudi Arabia’s capital after a series of explosions rocked King Khalid International Airport on Thursday. Lufthansa Group announced that all its carriers will suspend flights to Riyadh through Oct. 16, citing “current developments in the Middle East.” The decision follows a large blast heard at the airport and subsequent reports of additional missile strikes.
Widespread cancellations impact travelers
Flight‑tracking service FlightAware recorded more than 275 flights canceled on Thursday, representing roughly 40% of scheduled arrivals and 30% of scheduled departures at the Riyadh hub. Flightradar24 confirmed that the airport was effectively closed, noting that the last landing occurred more than 80 minutes before the report and the last takeoff more than 90 minutes earlier.
Airlines respond with safety‑first measures
In a statement, Lufthansa Group said the suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety while the situation stabilizes. The German carrier added that it will closely monitor developments and resume service when conditions allow.
Air India echoed the safety focus, explaining that a flight from Delhi to Riyadh earlier Thursday was turned back to Delhi and subsequently canceled. The airline announced that all service to and from Riyadh will be halted until Saturday, emphasizing the “interest of safety” for its customers.
Budget carrier Akasa Air also suspended flights to and from Riyadh through Saturday, and low‑cost airline IndiGo announced cancellations through Friday. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that several Indian airlines have paused operations, reflecting broader regional concerns.
Who claims responsibility?
Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that a ballistic missile struck the airport. The group’s military spokesman later said additional ballistic and cruise missiles were fired at airports in Riyadh and the southwestern city of Najran. Saudi officials have not provided an immediate comment on the claim, and no independent evidence has been presented to verify the Houthi statements.
Impact on travelers and next steps
Passengers with booked itineraries to Riyadh are advised to contact their airlines for rebooking options or refunds. Travel agencies and corporate travel managers should stay alert for further updates, as the situation remains fluid.
Airlines are working with airport authorities and government agencies to assess damage and determine when normal operations can safely resume. In the meantime, the suspension underscores the broader challenges facing international travel in regions experiencing heightened security threats.
Broader implications for aviation
The incident highlights the vulnerability of major air hubs to geopolitical tensions and underscores the importance of robust contingency planning. Airlines worldwide continue to balance the need for reliable service with the paramount responsibility to protect passengers and crew.
Travelers planning trips to Saudi Arabia or connecting through Riyadh should monitor airline communications and official government advisories for the latest information.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
