Air freight operations in Saudi Arabia are facing significant disruption following a series of missile and drone attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, with authorities extending the airport’s closure until Saturday, 17 October 2026.
The disruption has prompted widespread flight cancellations and service suspensions by international airlines, affecting connections between Saudi Arabia, Europe, Asia and other major aviation markets.
What is happening at Riyadh Airport?
King Khalid International Airport, Saudi Arabia’s second-busiest airport, has been closed following attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement.
An attack on Saturday, 10 October, killed 13 people and injured more than 300. A further attack on Sunday reportedly killed one person and injured 11 others.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority subsequently extended the suspension of airport operations to allow safety assessments and procedures to ensure the airport’s facilities are ready to resume services.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on 12 October, King Khalid International Airport is scheduled to remain closed until 21:00 GMT (22:00 UK time) on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
However, the reopening remains dependent on safety conditions and operational readiness, meaning further changes cannot be ruled out.
International airlines extend flight cancellations
The disruption is affecting several international airlines, with some suspending services beyond the airport’s currently announced reopening date.
The following measures had been announced as of 13 October:
- Lufthansa Group: Flights to Riyadh cancelled until 16 October.
- Air France-KLM: Services to and from Riyadh suspended until the end of October.
- Qatar Airways: Flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam temporarily suspended.
- Etihad Airways: Flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh cancelled until 19 October, with services involving Jeddah and Dammam also affected.
- Air India: Riyadh flights cancelled until 15 October.
- IndiGo: Flights involving Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah cancelled until 17 October.
- Philippine Airlines: Riyadh services suspended until 29 November.
Other airlines have also adjusted schedules or postponed planned services as the security situation develops.
The disruption is not limited to Riyadh. Flight cancellations and changes to services involving other Saudi airports, including Dammam and Jeddah, have also been reported.
However, this does not mean that every Saudi airport is closed. Customers should check the status of individual flights and cargo services.
What does this mean for air freight?
Although many of the announced cancellations concern passenger flights, the impact can extend to air cargo operations.
A significant proportion of international air freight travels in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft, meaning widespread cancellations can reduce the available capacity for moving goods.
For businesses shipping to and from Saudi Arabia, several potential challenges may arise.
Reduced cargo capacity
Cancelled passenger services and changes to freighter operations could limit available space on affected routes, particularly those connecting Riyadh with international markets.
Longer transit times
Shipments may need to be transferred through alternative airports or connecting services, potentially increasing overall journey times.
Changes to freight costs
Reduced capacity and alternative routing requirements could place pressure on air freight rates and associated handling charges.
Disruption to collections and deliveries
Changes to flight schedules and cargo arrival locations could also affect customs clearance, inland transport and final delivery arrangements.
The extent of these impacts will vary depending on the airline, shipment route and cargo requirements.
Wider concerns over Middle East airspace
The disruption is also raising concerns about aviation safety across the wider region.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has expanded its warning concerning Saudi airspace following the missile and drone attacks, while the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised American airlines to exercise caution when operating to or over Saudi Arabia.
These developments may lead airlines to review flight paths, avoid certain areas or introduce alternative routings.
For air freight operators, longer flight routes and additional operational restrictions could create further challenges for capacity and scheduling.
However, the impact will depend on individual airline decisions and the security situation.
What should UK importers and exporters consider?
Businesses with upcoming air freight shipments involving Saudi Arabia should review their arrangements carefully while the disruption continues.
This includes confirming whether booked flights are operating, checking cargo acceptance arrangements and allowing additional time for shipments where necessary.
Alternative routings may be available, but these should be assessed individually, taking account of available capacity, customs requirements and onward transport connections.
Customers should also be aware that published airline schedules may change at short notice as operators respond to the security situation.
What happens next?
The current closure of King Khalid International Airport is scheduled to remain in place until 17 October 2026, although this date could change depending on the outcome of safety assessments.
Some airlines have already announced suspensions extending beyond that date, suggesting that the return to normal flight schedules may take longer even if the airport reopens as planned.
The wider security situation across the Middle East also remains uncertain, with aviation authorities and airlines continuing to assess the risks associated with operating in the region.
For businesses relying on air freight connections to Saudi Arabia, monitoring airline announcements and confirming shipment arrangements will remain important over the coming days.
Need assistance with your air freight shipments?
If you have cargo moving to or from Saudi Arabia, our team can help you review available shipping options and discuss arrangements for your upcoming shipments.
Get in touch with Beckchoice to discuss your requirements.
References
- Reuters, 12 October 2026 – Saudi capital’s airport to remain shut this week as airlines cancel services
- Reuters, 12 October 2026 – Airlines cancel flights to Saudi Arabia after Riyadh airport attacks
- Reuters, 13 October 2026 – Qatar Airways suspends Riyadh and Dammam flights as airport attacks disrupt air travel
- Associated Press, 13 October 2026 – Saudi Arabia investigates deadly attack on Riyadh Airport
The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only and is based on reports available as of 13 October 2026. Airport closures, airline suspensions, flight schedules and cargo arrangements may change at short notice. Businesses should confirm the latest information with their freight forwarder, airline or relevant aviation authorities before making shipping decisions.