PIA Temporarily Suspends Riyadh Flights Amid Middle East Tensions

Pakistan International Airlines temporarily suspended its flight operations to Riyadh on Friday, October 9, citing the situation in the Middle East, according to an airline spokesperson.

PIA advised passengers to contact its call centre to confirm the latest status of their flights.

Attacks Disrupt Riyadh Airport Operations

The suspension follows intensified fighting between Saudi and Houthi forces and attacks on Saudi airports.

Three people were killed in attacks on two international airports on Wednesday. At Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, those injured included a Pakistani, five Saudi citizens and two Egyptians.

Another attack on Thursday caused severe damage to an aircraft.

Cancellations and Delays Mount

Flight-tracking figures cited in the report showed 104 cancellations and 154 delays involving Riyadh airport on Friday. Thursday’s cancellation count stood at 335.

These figures cover airport-wide disruption across airlines, rather than PIA alone, and may change as operations develop.

What PIA Passengers Should Do

Travellers booked on Riyadh services should check their flight status with PIA before leaving for the airport.

The announcement describes the suspension as temporary but does not provide a resumption date or specify refund and rebooking arrangements.