PIA temporarily suspends flights to Riyadh amid Gulf tensions
Pakistan International Airlines has temporarily suspended its flights to Riyadh because of the evolving security situation in the Middle East.
A PIA spokesperson confirmed the suspension on Friday. The airline has advised passengers to contact its call centre to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. The suspension comes amid rising regional tensions and growing concerns about the safety of air travel to Saudi Arabia.
The decision may affect passengers travelling between Pakistan and Riyadh, including those visiting family, travelling for work or planning onward journeys. PIA has urged passengers to confirm the latest information about their flights before setting out for the airport. Travellers should also check for any changes to their bookings or departure times.
Riyadh airport faces widespread flight disruption
Flight operations at Riyadh Airport have also been affected by the regional security situation. According to figures from flight-tracking website Flightradar24 cited in the supplied report, airlines cancelled 104 arriving and departing flights on Friday and delayed another 154.
The website also recorded 335 cancellations on Thursday, highlighting the scale of the disruption over the two days.
The cancellations and delays have created difficulties for passengers travelling through the Saudi capital. Travellers may also face problems with connecting flights, hotel bookings and other arrangements linked to their original schedules.
These figures cover flight movements at Riyadh Airport and should not be confused with PIA’s own cancellation figures.
Houthi threats raise regional aviation concerns
The flight suspensions come amid escalating tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The Houthis have claimed attacks on Saudi targets, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. These developments have raised concerns about airport operations and the safety of commercial aviation in the region.
Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have also been involved in a wider conflict linked to the war in Yemen. The latest security developments have prompted airlines to review their operations and suspend some services to Riyadh.
Also Read: 42 flights cancelled, 68 delayed across Pakistan amid Gulf tensions
However, the available information does not establish that every flight cancellation was directly caused by a specific attack. Airlines may make separate operational decisions based on security assessments and changing conditions.
Lufthansa and Indian airlines also suspend flights
PIA is not the only airline affected by the situation. Several international carriers have also announced temporary suspensions of flights to and from Riyadh. Lufthansa Group said its airlines would suspend flights to the Saudi capital through October 16 because of “current developments in the Middle East”.
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, cancelled all flights to and from Riyadh through October 9. Air India and Akasa Air also told Reuters that they had cancelled services to and from the Saudi capital through October 10.
These decisions show that concerns about the regional security situation have affected airlines operating from different countries. The suspension periods announced by the airlines differ, so passengers should check directly with their carriers for the latest information.
Passengers are advised to check flight status
PIA has urged passengers to contact its call centre before leaving for the airport. Travellers should confirm whether their flights are operating as scheduled or have been cancelled or rescheduled.
Passengers whose flights are affected should contact the airline to ask about rebooking, refunds or other options available under their ticket conditions.
Those with connecting flights should also check whether changes to their original bookings affect the rest of their journeys. Passengers are advised to keep their booking confirmations and airline notifications readily available in case they need to make alternative arrangements.
Flight suspensions create uncertainty for travellers
Temporary flight suspensions can cause problems for passengers who have already arranged accommodation, transport and other services at their destinations.
People travelling for work may need to change appointments, while families visiting relatives may have to adjust their plans. Passengers with onward connections could face additional disruption if their revised arrival times do not match their next scheduled flights.
The situation may also create difficulties for travellers who need to reach Riyadh within a specific period. Clear communication from airlines is therefore important. Timely updates can help passengers understand their options and avoid unnecessary journeys to the airport.
