Saudi Airlines Add Extra Flights to Pakistan for Stranded Passengers

Saudi airlines Riyadh Air and Saudia have announced additional flights to Pakistan to help passengers affected by travel disruption following the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The temporary arrangements are intended to give stranded travellers more options to reach Pakistan. The additional services connect Jeddah with major Pakistani cities, including Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar.

According to reports published on October 21, 2026, Riyadh Air scheduled extra services for October 21 and 22, while Saudia announced two additional flights serving Pakistan. Travellers should confirm the latest operating details directly with the airlines because schedules and seat availability can change.

Which Extra Flights Have Been Announced?

Riyadh Air and Saudia have announced separate arrangements for affected passengers.

These are temporary services announced in response to the disruption. Passengers should not assume that the additional flights represent a permanent change to the airlines’ regular schedules.

The airlines have not published a complete set of confirmed departure times and seat availability in the reports reviewed for this article.

Why Are the Airlines Operating Additional Flights?

The arrangements follow disruption to air travel associated with the closure of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.

The disruption left some travellers unable to continue their journeys as planned. Airlines have had to adjust operations, while affected passengers have sought alternative routes and assistance.

The additional services from Jeddah are intended to help move some passengers to Pakistan while travel arrangements around Riyadh remain disrupted.

The broader situation has also affected international aviation. Reuters reported that several international airlines had suspended or delayed Saudi Arabia services amid security concerns and regulatory restrictions following attacks on Riyadh airport earlier in October.

Who Can Use the Extra Flights?

Riyadh Air said the additional services were intended primarily for passengers whose flights had been cancelled because of the disruption.

Reports also indicate that passengers holding tickets issued by other airlines may be eligible to use the additional flights, subject to available seats and the airline’s arrangements.

However, this does not mean every passenger with a cancelled ticket can automatically board an extra flight. Eligibility, rebooking arrangements and required documentation should be confirmed directly with the airline.

Passengers should avoid travelling to the airport based only on a news report or an unconfirmed social media post.

What Should Affected Passengers Do?

Travellers whose journeys have been disrupted should take the following steps:

1. Contact the airline that issued the ticket. Ask whether the booking has been cancelled, delayed or transferred to another service.
2. Check the airline’s official website or app. Confirm the latest flight status and any rebooking instructions.
3. Ask about alternative-flight eligibility. If considering an additional service operated by another airline, confirm whether the ticket can be accepted.
4. Confirm the departure airport. The temporary services described in the reports operate from Jeddah, so passengers should verify where they need to check in.
5. Keep booking documents available. Carry the ticket, passport and any communication from the airline concerning the disruption.
6. Check before leaving for the airport. Flight timings, airport arrangements and available seats may change at short notice.

Passengers who need urgent assistance may also contact their airline’s customer service team or the relevant Pakistani diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia.

Pakistani Consulate Assists Stranded Travellers

Pakistan’s Consulate General in Jeddah has reportedly been providing guidance and assistance to Pakistanis affected by the disruption.

Consul General Mustafa Rabbani said Pakistani diplomatic officials had helped coordinate arrangements for stranded passengers, including transport from Riyadh to Jeddah for some Saudia passengers. The airline reportedly arranged accommodation and meals while passengers waited for available seats.

Such assistance can help travellers manage unexpected delays, but individual arrangements may differ. Passengers should contact the consulate or their airline for case-specific guidance rather than assuming that accommodation or transport will be available to everyone.

Are These Flights a Permanent Increase in Services to Pakistan?

No. The announcements concern additional flights arranged to respond to an exceptional disruption.

They should be distinguished from regularly scheduled services and long-term route expansions. Whether airlines add more permanent flights between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will depend on future commercial decisions, demand, aircraft availability and regulatory requirements.

Travellers planning future journeys should check the airlines’ normal booking systems for services available on their intended travel dates.

The Bottom Line

Riyadh Air and Saudia have announced additional services to help passengers affected by the disruption at Riyadh airport, with flights serving Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar among the reported arrangements.

The extra capacity may help some stranded passengers reach Pakistan, but seats are limited and the schedule may change. Travellers should confirm their eligibility, departure airport and flight status directly with the airline before making their way to the airport.

Editorial note: The reported dates are October 21–22, 2026. Since these are temporary disruption-related flights, verify the latest schedule and booking instructions with Riyadh Air or Saudia before publication. Do not present the temporary services as a permanent schedule expansion.