Riyadh Airport Suspension Extended to October 17

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh will remain closed, with operations suspended until 21:00 GMT on October 17, 2026 — the equivalent of 00:00 Saudi time on October 18. The extended suspension affects airport operations and scheduled flights serving the capital.

Officials said the extension is intended to complete safety checks and verify the operational readiness of airport facilities before activities resume. The measure covers the full range of airport operations during the suspension period.

Travelers should note that the October 17 deadline does not guarantee that all flights will resume immediately afterward. Flight schedules may be affected beyond the stated time as operations gradually return to normal.

What passengers should do

Anyone planning to travel through the airport is advised to confirm flight status directly with their airline before heading to the terminal. Checking official airport and civil-aviation updates ahead of departure is the best way to avoid disruption.

For residents and visitors in Riyadh, the extended closure is an important reminder to build flexibility into travel plans, verify bookings early, and keep in close contact with carriers for the latest information on departures and arrivals.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving