Airlines extend Riyadh flight cancellations after airport attacks

Philippine Airlines has suspended Riyadh services until at least October 11. Bloomberg reports cancellations by several carriers following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian airports.

Philippine Airlines will not operate PR654 and PR655 between Manila and Riyadh from October 9 to 11, PortCalls reported, citing the carrier. Bloomberg also reported suspended services by EgyptAir, IndiGo and Air India.

Approximately 300 arrivals and departures at King Khalid International Airport were cancelled on October 8, according to Cirium figures cited by Bloomberg. Saudia and Flynas accounted for most disruptions. The airport has halted operations for several hours and reopened repeatedly in recent days.

Singapore Airlines postponed the launch of its Saudi capital route until March 28 because of the Middle East conflict. Bloomberg said the airline’s Dubai services were cancelled until December 1, while subsidiary Scoot’s Jeddah flights were cancelled until December 2. Cathay Pacific previously extended cancellations for Dubai and Riyadh until January 31.

Abha airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia was also targeted. Bloomberg reported three deaths and dozens of injuries in attacks on the two airports. The strikes come amid an offensive by forces of Yemen’s Saudi-backed government against the Houthis.

Saudi airspace has become an important corridor for carriers avoiding higher-risk skies over Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Syria. Disruptions in Riyadh add to the restrictions international airlines face across the region.