Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports record nearly 1,500 cancellations after attacks

Disruption overview

Attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure left travelers facing widespread cancellations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Across 11 and 12 October 2026, the airports recorded nearly 1,500 cancellation listings, with possible overlap between connecting flights, while about 500 Bangladeshi passengers were stranded in Riyadh. Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai, and Lufthansa Group also canceled services or suspended routes, affecting international connections and Umrah travel. Compensation is generally unlikely because the attacks were outside airlines’ control, but if your journey is covered by applicable passenger rights rules, you may still qualify for care, rerouting, or a refund.

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Disruption details

Deadly attacks on aviation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia caused widespread flight cancellations and delays from 10 October 2026, with disruption continuing into 12 October. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, and Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport recorded 1,485 cancellation listings across 11 and 12 October.

For passengers, this meant canceled journeys, long waits, and being stranded away from home. Umrah pilgrims were among those affected, while about 500 Bangladeshi passengers were left stranded in Riyadh after the attack.

Operations at King Khalid International Airport were temporarily suspended following an attack on 10 October. The airport remained closed on 11 October while authorities assessed damage and carried out safety inspections.

By the morning of 12 October, cancellations were still widespread across all 3 airports. The figures for each airport were:

• Riyadh recorded 655 cancellations on 11 October and 436 on 12 October.

• Jeddah recorded 158 cancellations and 393 delays on 11 October, followed by 115 cancellations on 12 October.

• Dammam recorded 58 cancellations and 115 delays on 11 October, followed by 63 cancellations on 12 October.

Together, these figures amount to 871 cancellation listings on 11 October and another 614 on 12 October. Including the 508 delays listed on 11 October, the combined disruption count reached 1,993. Some connecting flights may appear in more than 1 airport’s figures, so these totals shouldn’t be read as a count of distinct flights.

The attacks disrupted domestic, regional, and religious travel. Saudi state television footage showed pilgrims preparing to board flights at Riyadh airport when a strike caused panic inside the terminal. Bangladesh’s expatriates’ welfare ministry said about 500 Bangladeshi passengers were stranded there.

The disruption followed repeated attacks in recent days, including earlier strikes on Riyadh airport. Another attack hit Terminal 4 on 11 October, and Dammam airport was also targeted. Saudi aviation authorities were carrying out damage assessments and safety inspections.

International services were affected too, with airlines canceling selected routes or extending existing suspensions. If you’re traveling between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, these changes may affect your plans:

• Etihad Airways canceled selected flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam through 13 October 2026.

• Emirates canceled selected flights between Dubai and Saudi destinations.

• flydubai extended cancellations on its Riyadh routes until 14 October 2026.

Lufthansa Group had already announced that its Riyadh flights would remain suspended through 16 October 2026. Several Indian airlines also canceled services, extending the impact beyond travel within the Gulf.

Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Dubai arranged buses for Saudi citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates. This assistance was specifically for stranded Saudi citizens, rather than a replacement for all affected airline services.

The US Federal Aviation Administration also issued a safety advisory urging US operators to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia. It warned of military activity and possible navigation interference. The advisory remains in force until 10 December 2026.

If your flight was canceled or delayed because of these attacks and related security risks, compensation under EC 261 or UK 261 generally won’t apply, even if your itinerary is covered by those rules. These events are outside airlines’ control.

That doesn't mean you're without support. On covered journeys, you may still be entitled to an alternative flight or a refund after a cancellation, food and refreshments during a long wait, and accommodation and transportation if you're delayed overnight away from home.

Your exact rights depend on your flight and circumstances. Follow your airline’s check-in and boarding instructions, and ask what assistance it can provide. Although compensation is unlikely for this disruption, AirHelp’s free flight checker can help you check whether your flight qualifies.

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