Pakistan’s national carrier halts operations to Saudi capital as missile and drone attacks disrupt aviation, forcing hundreds of flight cancellations and delays
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) temporarily suspended its flights to Riyadh on Friday, citing deteriorating security conditions in the Middle East as escalating missile and drone attacks continue to disrupt aviation operations across Saudi Arabia.
A spokesperson for the national flag carrier confirmed the suspension and advised passengers travelling to Riyadh to verify their flight schedules through PIA’s call centre before proceeding to the airport.
The decision comes amid intensified hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi forces, whose repeated missile and drone attacks have targeted airports and other strategic facilities in the kingdom.
Hundreds of Flights Disrupted at Riyadh Airport
The security situation has significantly affected operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
According to flight-tracking platform Flightradar24, at least 104 flights scheduled to arrive at or depart from Riyadh were cancelled on Friday, while another 154 experienced delays.
The disruption followed an even more challenging Thursday, when 335 flights were cancelled.
The figures reflect the growing impact of regional hostilities on civilian aviation, with airlines increasingly reassessing operational risks associated with flying to the Saudi capital.
Other Flights to Saudi Arabia Remain Operational
The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed PIA’s temporary suspension of flights to Riyadh but clarified that other flight operations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were continuing normally.
The authority also dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting a broader suspension of flights to the kingdom, describing such claims as inaccurate.
The clarification was intended to reassure passengers travelling to other Saudi destinations that the restrictions specifically concerned PIA’s Riyadh operations.
International Airlines Suspend Riyadh Services
PIA is among several international carriers that have temporarily halted services to Riyadh in response to the deteriorating regional security environment.
Germany’s Lufthansa Group announced that its airlines would suspend flights to the Saudi capital until October 16, citing developments in the Middle East.
Indian airline IndiGo also cancelled all flights to and from Riyadh through October 9.
Similarly, Air India and Akasa Air confirmed the suspension of their Riyadh services until October 10.
The decisions indicate growing concern among international airlines over passenger safety, aircraft security and the operational uncertainty created by continuing attacks.
Houthi Attacks Intensify Security Concerns
The latest aviation disruptions follow an escalation in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces against Saudi Arabia.
On Thursday, the group intensified its missile campaign, targeting Saudi airspace and energy infrastructure in an apparent attempt to disrupt the kingdom’s aviation and oil operations.
The attacks interrupted flights and reportedly damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex.
The continuing hostilities have heightened concerns over the security of civilian infrastructure and the potential consequences of further regional escalation.
For now, PIA’s suspension remains a precautionary response to the security situation, while passengers have been advised to obtain updated flight information directly from the airline.
