Pakistan flights to Riyadh suspended after missile attack on King Khalid airport
Pakistani airlines suspend Riyadh flights
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said Pakistan International Airlines had completely suspended its operations to Riyadh. The reported Riyadh airport attack has also affected services operated by other airlines.
According to the authority, a Fly Jinnah flight scheduled to travel to Riyadh from Lahore and Karachi was cancelled. The Fly Jinnah flight cancellation has added to travel uncertainty for passengers planning to reach the Saudi capital.
A Flynas flight from Karachi to Riyadh was also cancelled. Separately, a Flynas flight from Karachi to Madinah was cancelled for technical reasons.
The PAA said flights from Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Islamabad to Jeddah and Madinah were operating normally at the time of its announcement.
Special assistance for affected passengers
The authority has established special counters to assist passengers affected by the cancellations.
People booked on Pakistan Riyadh flights should contact their airlines to confirm their flight status and available rebooking options before leaving for the airport.
The reported Riyadh airport attack has created uncertainty around travel arrangements, particularly for passengers with connecting flights or urgent travel plans.
Passengers affected by the Fly Jinnah flight cancellation should also contact the airline directly for updated information about their bookings.
Reported attack causes airport disruption
According to the supplied report, the King Khalid International Airport attack left 12 people dead and 309 injured. Several injured people were reportedly in critical condition.
Saudi civil aviation authorities said the reported victims included four Saudi and two Bangladeshi nationals. Others were said to be from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.
The reported Riyadh airport attack prompted a temporary suspension of airport operations as authorities introduced security measures.
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Riyadh airport temporarily closed
A notice to airmen (NOTAM) cited in the report said the airport was scheduled to remain closed until 9pm on Sunday.
Saudi media reported that dozens of flights were diverted to Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah. Of the 750 flights scheduled at Riyadh airport on Sunday, 446 were reportedly cancelled.
The King Khalid International Airport attack has therefore caused major disruption for travellers using the airport.
The reported incident has also affected Pakistan Riyadh flights, leaving some passengers waiting for further updates.
What travellers should know
Passengers should check official airline announcements before travelling. Those affected by the Fly Jinnah flight cancellation should ask the airline about rebooking and other available assistance.
The PAA said special counters were available to guide affected passengers. Travellers flying to Jeddah or Madinah should also confirm their schedules before departure.
The status of Pakistan Riyadh flights may change as airport operations and security arrangements are updated.