Air travel across Saudi Arabia has faced massive disruptions over the past week, with over 4,000 flights grounded or cancelled since October 8. According to aviation consultancy Cirium, this accounts for nearly 46 percent of all scheduled departures during that window. The crisis is largely attributed to ongoing regional instability, specifically a surge in Houthi attacks targeting the kingdom’s aviation infrastructure, including key hubs in Riyadh, Abha, and Dammam. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has been the hardest hit, with the Saudi aviation authority confirming a closure of the facility that is expected to last until at least October 17.

The impact has rippled across both domestic and international carriers, creating a logistical nightmare for thousands of passengers. Major Saudi airlines, including Saudia and Flynas, have seen nearly half of their scheduled operations cancelled, while international carriers—ranging from UAE-based airlines like Emirates and Etihad to regional operators like Qatar Airways and South Asian services like IndiGo—have significantly reduced or suspended their flights into the kingdom. With safety concerns remaining at the forefront following tragic casualties at targeted airports, the aviation sector is bracing for continued instability as the region navigates these volatile security challenges.