Riyadh Airport Closure Extended to October 17

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh will remain closed until 9:00 p.m. GMT on October 17, 2026 — equivalent to midnight Saudi time at the start of October 18 — as safety and operational-readiness procedures continue, in an extension of the earlier suspension of operations.

The suspension covers airport operations while the required safety checks and readiness measures are completed. No confirmed reopening time has been announced for after the deadline, so travelers should treat the current closure as the only firm information available.

Passengers with flights scheduled through Riyadh are advised to verify their flight status directly with their airline before making any travel arrangements. Travelers should avoid heading to the airport until operations are officially confirmed as resumed.

The extended closure affects a major hub for residents and expats across the Riyadh region, and checking with airlines in advance can help passengers avoid unnecessary trips and plan alternative arrangements. Those with upcoming bookings may wish to contact their carriers about rescheduling or rerouting options while the airport remains out of service.

Saudi Living will continue to follow developments and share updates as further information on reopening becomes available.

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