By Dwayne Ferreira.
Saudi Arabia airport attacks force international airlines to cancel flights, leaving passengers stranded and raising concerns for Sri Lankan travellers.
Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector has been thrown into turmoil following renewed missile attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement, forcing international airlines to suspend operations and leaving thousands of passengers facing uncertainty across the kingdom’s major airports.
More than 100 flights were cancelled at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Thursday after the Houthis claimed to have targeted the facility with a ballistic missile. The attacks have heightened fears of a broader regional security crisis as airlines reassess the safety of operating through Saudi airspace.
According to the Financial Times, aviation data provider Cirium recorded 188 cancellations at Riyadh airport by Thursday afternoon, representing more than 40% of scheduled services.
Saudi authorities did not confirm that the airport had been directly struck during the latest attack. However, the Saudi-led military coalition reported intercepting two missiles over Riyadh.
The developments follow deadly attacks on Saudi airports earlier in the week, which reportedly left three people dead.
International Airlines Suspend Operations
The security situation has prompted several international carriers to suspend services to Riyadh.
Air India and Air India Express announced the suspension of flights until October 10, while IndiGo suspended services until October 9. Germany’s Lufthansa also suspended services for several days.
Akasa Air cancelled scheduled flights between Kochi and Riyadh, while an Air India flight travelling towards the Saudi capital reportedly returned to Delhi following security alerts.
Airlines have advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling to airports and have offered rebooking or refund arrangements for affected services.
Flight disruptions have extended beyond Riyadh, with cancellations reported at Jeddah and Dammam airports.
Houthi Attacks Raise Regional Security Concerns
The Houthis, an armed movement controlling large areas of Yemen, have intensified attacks against Saudi targets amid renewed fighting between the group and Saudi-backed forces.
The latest incidents have raised concerns over the vulnerability of civilian aviation infrastructure and the potential consequences of continued missile operations.
Although Saudi air defence systems have intercepted missiles, the threat of falling debris and repeated security alerts has complicated airport operations.
International carriers must now balance the commercial importance of Saudi routes against growing operational and passenger safety concerns.
Sri Lankan Workers and Travellers Could Be Affected
The developments are particularly significant for Sri Lanka, which has substantial employment and family connections with Saudi Arabia.
Sri Lankan migrant workers travelling to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and other Saudi destinations could face delays, cancellations or changes to connecting flights.
Families expecting relatives to return home may also experience uncertainty if the security situation continues to deteriorate.
However, there has been no verified report in the material reviewed establishing that Sri Lankan nationals were injured in the latest attacks.
Passengers travelling between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia are advised to verify their flight status directly with their airline rather than relying solely on published schedules.
An Uncertain Outlook for Gulf Aviation
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in expanding its aviation infrastructure as part of its efforts to establish the kingdom as a major global transport and tourism hub.
Continued missile attacks could undermine passenger confidence and place additional pressure on airlines operating through the region.
The immediate priority for aviation authorities remains protecting passengers, airline crews and airport personnel while restoring normal operations.
Whether services return to normal will depend largely on the regional security situation and airlines’ individual risk assessments.
With fresh warnings from the Houthis, further disruption cannot be ruled out.
Sources:
Financial Times and The National, 8 October 2026.
