Gulf Air cancels all Riyadh flights amid Saudi airport attacks

Gulf Air has announced the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, from October 12 to October 17, 2026. The move follows recent attacks on Riyadh-area airports that prompted a temporary halt to departures and arrivals while security checks were conducted. The situation affects travelers booked on those routes and airports handling Riyadh traffic.

What happened and what it means

Gulf Air said on October 12, 2026, that flights to and from Riyadh would be suspended from October 12 through October 17. This is a temporary grounding linked to heightened security checks following recent attacks at Riyadh’s airports. The Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation reported casualties and fire from attacks on October 10 and 11, with airport security procedures extended at King Khalid International Airport as a precaution. Travelers with bookings on Gulf Air to Riyadh should expect changes to schedules and possible rebooking options.

Who is affected

The suspension primarily affects passengers with Gulf Air tickets on routes between Bahrain and Riyadh, as well as other travelers with already booked connections through Riyadh that would involve those Gulf Air flights. It may also impact travelers with onward connections through Riyadh’s airport who were planning to continue on other carriers.

Next steps for travelers and options

If you are affected, check your Gulf Air booking for notices about changes. Airlines often offer options such as rebooking on alternate dates, rerouting via different cities, or refunds if the service is canceled. Contact Gulf Air customer service or your travel agent for the latest guidance. For passengers with upcoming trips to Riyadh: monitor your flight status, confirm if any layovers are affected, and review visa or transit requirements if your itinerary changes.

Limits and questions

The article notes that security events prompted the flight suspension, but it does not provide official, detailed, or independent statements beyond the primary airline notice and Saudi civil aviation updates. If you need the latest, verify with Gulf Air’s official site or the Saudi aviation authority. Questions to consider include: when operations will fully resume, whether additional route changes are planned, and how refunds will be processed if you choose not to travel.

Information and responsibility notice: This article is general information based on the cited material available when published. It is not legal, tax, immigration, medical, financial, banking, or investment advice; it does not create a professional-client relationship; and it is not a guarantee of outcome, availability, accuracy, or eligibility. Rules, schedules, prices, and third-party information can change. Confirm material decisions with the relevant authority and an appropriately qualified adviser before acting.