Riyadh Firms Shift Staff to Remote Work Amid Airport Halt

Several Riyadh-based multinational companies instructed employees to work remotely during disruptions at King Khalid International Airport in October 2026, following nearby security incidents that affected operations in the capital.

some employers offered remote work as an option, while others required staff to work from home. These were individual, employer-specific operational decisions rather than a government-issued order or permit.

Airport operations were suspended during the disruptions, with the suspension extended through October 17, 2026, pending safety checks and operational-readiness procedures. The halt disrupted travel plans and routine commuting for many workers and businesses in the city.

What this means for workers

There is no Saudi-wide mandatory private-sector remote-work order in place. No unified fee, fixed validity period, or application process through Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, or the Ministry of Human Resources has been established for these arrangements. Likewise, no official government compensation or reimbursement schedule for the remote-work measures has been identified.

Employees affected by the situation are advised to confirm expectations directly with their employers, as each company set its own policy. Saudi Living will continue to follow developments related to airport operations and their impact on the business community in Riyadh.

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