The notice to airmen that closed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh ran to the end of 17 October. On 18 October, The National reported that the airport had reopened, while Gulf News said airline advisories still listed it as suspended; neither cited a reopening announcement from Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority. PIA's Riyadh flights, suspended since 9 October, have no date to resume, and the Pakistan Airports Authority says PIA's other Saudi services continue.
A Karachi Umrah operator told Arab News that demand has fallen by about 70 per cent since the attacks, and operators report disruption for passengers bound for Jeddah. Pilgrims should confirm their flight and their routing to Makkah with the airline or their operator before leaving for the airport.
Sources
- The National, Evelyn Lau thenationalnews.com/travel/2026/10/18/riyadh-airport-reopens-which-airlines-are-still-cancelling-flights-to-saudi-arabia/
- Gulf News, Lekshmy Pavithran gulfnews.com/business/aviation/uae-flight-status-today-full-list-of-cancellations-delays-and-travel-advisories-for-saudi-arabia-1.500714839
- Arab News Pakistan, Ismail Dilawar arabnews.pk/pakistan/houthi-attacks-cast-shadow-over-pakistani-families-umrah-plans-3004337
This update states what the sources above reported on the date shown. It is general information, not legal advice, and the position can change at short notice. Read how our travel advisories are researched and signed.