Saudi Airport Attacks: What the Disruptions Mean for Hajj, Umrah Pilgrims
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Nearly 1,500 flights cancelled at Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam airports as attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels disrupt air travel and leave passengers stranded
Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a series of deadly attacks that disrupted air travel across Saudi Arabia, forcing airlines to cancel nearly 1,500 flights at the country’s three busiest airports on Sunday and Monday and leaving international passengers, including Umrah pilgrims, stranded.
Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24, reviewed by Gulf Business at about 5:30am Saudi time on Monday, showed widespread cancellations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
The disruption has raised concerns over the safety and movement of international travellers, particularly Umrah pilgrims who rely on the airports to enter and leave the Kingdom.
Riyadh recorded the highest number of cancellations, with 655 flights grounded on Sunday, representing 98 per cent of scheduled services.
The airport recorded another 436 cancellations on Monday morning, accounting for 64 per cent of scheduled flights.
Jeddah recorded 158 cancellations on Sunday and 115 on Monday, while Dammam reported 58 cancellations on Sunday and 63 on Monday.
The figures indicate that the disruption continued into Monday, although the reported airport-level totals may include some overlap involving connecting flights.
Attacks Disrupt Airport Operations
Operations at Riyadh airport were temporarily suspended following an attack on Saturday that reportedly killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300.
A further attack struck Terminal 4 on Sunday, killing one person and injuring 11, according to Saudi aviation authorities.
Dammam airport also came under attack on Sunday evening, prompting authorities to assess the damage and conduct safety inspections.
The incidents have placed pressure on airport operations as airlines and aviation authorities work to assess security risks and manage disrupted flight schedules.
Umrah Pilgrims Among Those Affected
Umrah pilgrims were reportedly among the passengers caught in the disruption. Footage broadcast by Saudi State Television showed groups of pilgrims preparing to board flights at Riyadh airport on Saturday when a strike triggered panic inside the terminal.
Bangladesh’s expatriates’ welfare ministry also reported that about 500 Bangladeshi passengers were stranded in Riyadh.
The disruption highlights the vulnerability of pilgrims whose travel arrangements depend on coordinated international flights, connecting services and confirmed return journeys.
Saudi Airport Attacks: What the Disruptions Mean for Hajj, Umrah Pilgrims
For Nigerian pilgrims travelling for Umrah, the developments underscore the importance of checking flight status directly with airlines and maintaining contact with travel agents before departing for the airport.
Passengers with cancelled or rescheduled flights may also need to confirm revised departure times, accommodation arrangements and the validity of their onward travel bookings.
International Airlines Suspend Services
Several international carriers have cancelled or suspended selected services to Saudi Arabia amid the security concerns.
Etihad Airways cancelled selected flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam through Tuesday, October 13, while Emirates also cancelled selected services between Dubai and Saudi destinations.
Flydubai extended cancellations on its Riyadh route until October 14, while Lufthansa Group suspended Riyadh flights through October 16. Some Indian airlines also cancelled services.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Dubai arranged buses for Saudi citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates.
The cancellations have complicated travel arrangements for passengers using Gulf hubs to connect to destinations in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Aviation Safety Concerns
The United States Federal Aviation Administration has urged American operators to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia, citing military activity and possible interference with navigation systems. The advisory remains effective until December 10.
The warning underscores the wider aviation safety implications of the security situation, particularly for airlines operating routes across the region.
Implications for Hajj and Umrah Travel
The immediate disruption centres on airport operations, flight cancellations and passenger movement.
However, prolonged instability could create additional challenges for Umrah operators, travel agents and pilgrims relying on fixed itineraries.
For Hajj preparations, the developments warrant close monitoring, although the reported cancellations do not, by themselves, establish that the 2027 Hajj programme has been or would be affected.
Nigerian pilgrims and operators should rely on official airline updates and relevant Saudi authorities for confirmed travel information rather than assume that scheduled flights will operate normally.
The duration of the disruption, the pace of airport recovery and the extent to which airlines restore their schedules will determine the broader implications for international pilgrim travel.
