King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remains closed after attacks, prompting the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to warn airlines of navigational risks. The escalation follows strikes that have left 13 dead and over 300 injured over the weekend, disrupting regional flight operations and diplomatic travel.
Extended Closure and Flight Disruptions at Riyadh Airport
Operational activities at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remain suspended following attacks over the weekend.
The shutdown has rippled across international carriers. EgyptAir and Kuwait Airways announced the temporary cancellation of flights bound for the Saudi capital, while airport authorities urged passengers to verify schedules directly with airlines before traveling. According to reports citing the latest updates, the closure is slated to hold through Monday midnight local time at the earliest, pending further technical clearances.
Weekend Strikes Cause Thirteen Deaths and Hundreds of Injuries
The weekend strikes have resulted in a significant death toll. Saudi aviation authorities reported that the initial assault on Saturday caused 12 deaths and 309 injuries, followed by an additional Sunday strike that killed one person and wounded 11 others.
The deceased include four Saudi citizens alongside foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Egypt, the United States, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. Diplomatic missions in Riyadh have mobilized in response, with the Egyptian embassy coordinating the repatriation of a 28-year-old flight attendant who died in the terminal attack.
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Warnings and Diplomatic Restrictions
Amid the deteriorating security situation, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a formal advisory directing operators of U.S.-registered aircraft to exercise extreme caution when flying through Saudi airspace or navigating approaches. The directive remains in effect through December 10.
“These threats may pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including while flying over Saudi airspace, and during arrival and departure phases.”
FAA advisory, via Skynewsarabia
The U.S. diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia recommended that private citizens avoid the Riyadh airport entirely. Meanwhile, government personnel have been mandated to obtain special clearance for any official use of the facility.
