Airlines Are Pausing Riyadh Flights After the Houthi Airport Attacks, Here’s What You’re Owed and What the UK Says

If your flight to or through Riyadh was cancelled this week, you are owed a refund or a re-route, but almost certainly not cash compensation. Missile strikes are the kind of “extraordinary circumstance” that airlines can use to avoid paying it. The UK government is advising against all but essential travel to Riyadh province, which also puts your travel insurance at risk.

What has actually happened at Riyadh airport?

The Houthis have claimed ballistic missile attacks on King Khalid International Airport, and on Thursday 8 October witnesses reported smoke and a fire on a commercial plane, according to The Irish Times. Saudi authorities have not confirmed the Houthi claims. They did confirm that three people were killed this week in strikes on the Riyadh and Abha airports. Debris from an intercepted missile also damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh.

Flightradar24 showed widespread delays on Thursday. The airport’s own advice to travellers was to contact their airline and check flight status before trying to travel. Counts of the day’s cancellations vary by source, so treat them as a range rather than one number.

Which airlines have stopped flying to Riyadh?

Lufthansa and Air India have said they are suspending Riyadh flights. Other carriers have also reported halting service, including IndiGo and Philippine Airlines. Reported end dates differ between outlets: some say Lufthansa is out until 16 October and Air India until 10 October, while The Irish Times gives no end date. Dates like these move quickly, so check your airline’s own notice rather than any news report.

Saudia, Flynas, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways were among the carriers hit hardest by Thursday’s cancellations, according to the Financial Times data.

What does the UK government say about travelling to Riyadh?

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Aseer, Riyadh, Najran and Jizan provinces, and against all travel within 10km of the Yemen border. Its Saudi Arabia page, updated on 8 October, says the Houthis have fired missiles and drones at Saudi locations since 13 July. It also reports a heightened threat to airports, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure in Riyadh, Abha, Jizan, Najran, Jeddah and Yanbu, and tells travellers to follow Saudi Civil Defence alerts.

The FCDO also warns that travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against its advice. If you are booked to Riyadh in the next few weeks, read your policy wording before you decide whether to go, not after something happens.

What is your airline legally required to give you?

If the airline cancels, you can choose a refund or a re-route in every major system. Cash compensation is the part you are unlikely to get.

The EU’s passenger-rights page lists security risks and political instability among the extraordinary circumstances, and the airline must prove the link. Where the airline owes you care, it should provide food, a hotel if you must stay overnight, and transport to it. Keep every receipt if you pay for these yourself. In the US, the DOT rule means you must be refunded to your original payment method, not offered a voucher you did not choose.

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