World · Middle East · 11 hrs ago
Riyadh airport stays closed as KLM suspends Saudi Arabia flights
Riyadh’s international airport in Saudi Arabia will remain closed until Saturday at 23:00 Dutch time.
The closure follows repeated attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement, including an attack on Saturday that killed 13 people and injured more than 300.
Another attack on the airport the next day killed one person.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority says the closure will allow it to complete safety and operational checks.
KLM has suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam through at least October 31, postponing a planned restart on October 25.
The disruption adds to pressure on airlines from conflict in the Middle East, where airport closures and higher aviation fuel prices have also affected the sector.
KLM says affected passengers can change their bookings or request a refund.
Riyadh’s international airport will remain closed until at least Saturday at 23:00 Netherlands time after repeated attacks by Yemen’s Houthis.
KLM said it would suspend flights to Riyadh and Dammam through at least 31 October.
The airport was closed after an attack last Saturday that killed 13 people and injured more than 300.
A further attack on the airport yesterday killed one person.
Passengers affected by KLM’s cancellations can rebook or request a refund.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia’s international airport authority and airlines, including KLM.
- What
- Riyadh’s international airport is staying closed, and KLM has extended its suspension of flights to Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The airport is closed until at least Saturday at 23:00 Netherlands time. KLM has suspended flights through at least 31 October.
- Where
- Riyadh and Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The airport closure follows repeated attacks by Yemen’s Houthis. The Saudi aviation authority said it needs to complete procedures to ensure the airport’s safety and operational readiness.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
An attack in Saudi Arabia killed 13 people and injured more than 300.
Riyadh airport was targeted again, and one person was killed.
KLM announced it would suspend flights to Saudi Arabia for longer, through at least 31 October.
Riyadh’s international airport is due to remain closed.
- Airport closure
- Until at least Saturday at 23:00 Netherlands time
- KLM suspension
- Through at least 31 October
- Affected destinations
- Riyadh and Dammam
- Last Saturday’s attack
- 13 killed and more than 300 injured
- Attack yesterday
- One person killed
What people are saying
procedures to complete that must ensure the safety and operational readiness of the airport facilities
Sources
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