UAE: Residents and expatriates travelling between the UAE and Saudi Arabia are reassessing their plans following an attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that killed 12 people and injured 309. Flight cancellations and uncertainty over airport operations have added to concerns among travellers with family and professional commitments in both countries.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed that the October 10 attack caused fatalities and injuries, with those hurt receiving medical care at several hospitals. The authority also reported property damage, the full extent of which was still being assessed.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack as a violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability, reaffirming the UAE’s solidarity with the Kingdom.
Dubai-Based Family Postpones Reunion
A 47-year-old Sri Lankan professional working in Riyadh has postponed his planned weekend trip to Dubai, where his wife and children live. He usually travels to the UAE every two weeks to spend time with his family.
After discussing the situation with his family, he decided to remain in Riyadh because of concerns that flight disruptions could affect his return and interfere with work commitments.
He said upcoming meetings in Riyadh were another factor in his decision, adding that he would reconsider travel as the situation develops.
Riyadh Freelancer Reviews Plans to Visit UAE
The uncertainty has also affected William R., a Riyadh-based freelancer who works with clients in the UAE. He had planned to attend the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and other professional events scheduled in Dubai this month.
William said he was reviewing his plans because of the possibility of further flight disruptions. He intends to make a final decision closer to the event, depending on how the situation develops.
The concerns come amid reports that the airport had experienced multiple attacks within the same week.
Etihad Cancels Flights Between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh
Etihad Airways cancelled eight flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh scheduled for October 11 and 12 because of operational disruptions at King Khalid International Airport.
Six services were affected on Sunday, involving three round trips between Zayed International Airport and Riyadh. Another round trip, flights EY551 and EY552, was cancelled for Monday.
The airline said the situation remained fluid and further schedule changes were possible. Passengers were advised to check their flight status through the official website, Etihad Airways.
Dubai-based flydubai also suspended flights to Riyadh until October 14.
Riyadh Airport Closure Reportedly Extended
Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 reported that the closure of King Khalid International Airport had been extended by 24 hours, until 9pm UTC, corresponding to 1am Gulf Standard Time.
Saudi authorities had not officially confirmed the reported extension at the time of publication.
Travellers Urged to Check Flight Status
Passengers travelling between the UAE and Saudi Arabia are advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airlines before leaving for the airport.
With schedules subject to change, travellers should monitor official airline announcements and allow for possible delays or cancellations when planning family visits and business trips.
