Lilshira
King Khalid International Airport closed after missile attack, events postponed
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has been closed following a missile attack on October 10, halting all flights and forcing the postponement or cancellation of major international events scheduled for later this year.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- All flights in and out of King Khalid International Airport are suspended
- Timing
- Closure began on October 10 and remains in effect
- Who is affected
- Travelers, event organizers, and businesses relying on Riyadh airport
The details
- Takes effect
- October 10
- New rule
- Flights to and from King Khalid International Airport have been halted and the airport remains closed.
Airport closure after missile attack
A Houthi missile strike on October 10 destroyed large parts of King Khalid International Airport, killing 13 people. The damage forced authorities to suspend all arrivals and departures. No official comment has been given on a reopening date.
Impact on scheduled events
The shutdown has thrown several high‑profile gatherings into disarray. The finance summit known as the “Davos of the Desert” was postponed to an undetermined date in 2027 after its opening was set for October 26. Other events, including the Gulf‑EU summit, the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament, Riyadh Fashion Week and the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, have been cancelled or delayed.
Responses and alternative arrangements
Airlines are redirecting passengers to other Saudi airports and to neighboring Bahrain and Qatar. Some companies are chartering buses to those airports, while many employers have shifted to remote work. Western embassies have issued travel warnings, and several expatriates are reconsidering short‑term trips to the kingdom.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with flights booked to or from Riyadh must cancel or rebook, as no flights are operating.
- Passengers should look for alternative airports in Bahrain, Qatar or other Saudi cities for onward travel.
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements are introduced by the closure itself.
- Airlines may charge change or cancellation fees according to their own policies.
What you need to do
- Check airline communications for rebooking options or refunds.
- Monitor official Saudi government updates for any announcement of a reopening date.
- Consider alternative transport modes such as bus services to Bahrain or Qatar airports.
Who this affects
-
International conference attendees
Key events in Riyadh have been postponed or cancelled due to the airport shutdown.
What to do Seek updated event schedules and arrange alternative travel routes.
-
Business travelers to Riyadh
All commercial flights to the capital are suspended.
What to do Rebook flights via other regional hubs or use ground transport options.
-
Expatriates living in Riyadh
Daily commuting and international travel are disrupted by the airport closure.
What to do Follow employer guidance on remote work and explore bus connections to nearby airports.
Frequently asked questions
Why is King Khalid International Airport closed?
The airport was closed after a Houthi missile attack on October 10 destroyed part of the terminal and killed 13 people, making flight operations unsafe.
When will flights resume from Riyadh airport?
There is no announced reopening date; the closure began on October 10 and remains in effect until authorities provide an update.
Can I still travel to Saudi Arabia using Riyadh airport?
No, all flights to and from King Khalid International Airport are suspended, so travelers must use alternative airports such as those in Bahrain or Qatar.
What happened to the “Davos of the Desert” finance summit?
The summit, originally set to open on October 26, has been postponed to an undetermined date in 2027 because the airport closure disrupted travel plans.
Are there any travel warnings for Saudi Arabia right now?
Several Western embassies have warned their citizens against non‑essential travel to Saudi Arabia following the missile attack and airport shutdown.
