Riyadh Airport Reports Flight Cancellations and Delays Due to Operational Issues
Flight disruptions at King Khalid Airport due to operational factors; major transformation planned for 2026.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reported widespread flight delays and cancellations on Friday, affecting both domestic and international services and leaving many passengers stranded.
In a statement published on its official X account, the airport said the disruptions were caused by overlapping operational factors over the past two days. These included the diversion of several flights from other airports and scheduled maintenance within the airport’s refuelling system.
“King Khalid International Airport would like to inform you that due to a confluence of operational factors over the past two days – including the diversion of several flights from other airports, along with scheduled maintenance within the refuelling system – some flight schedules have been affected, including delays or cancellations of several flights operated by certain airlines,” the statement said.
The airport urged travellers to check directly with their airlines before heading to the terminals to avoid congestion, stressing that updated flight timings may differ from original schedules.
Airport authorities said operational teams are working around the clock in coordination with airline partners to restore normal operations as quickly as possible, while taking steps to minimise the impact on passengers.
State-backed carrier Saudia and budget airline flyadeal were among the airlines affected. Saudia said its operations, along with those of several other airlines, were impacted by temporary operational difficulties at King Khalid International Airport. The airline confirmed it is working closely with Riyadh Airports Company to manage the situation and said affected passengers would be exempt from rescheduling fees.
flyadeal also confirmed disruptions, stating that impacted passengers “will be notified directly by emails and SMS with rebooking and support options.” The airline added that all carriers at the airport are facing temporary delays outside their control.
While Riyadh’s disruptions were linked to internal operational factors, parts of the wider Gulf region also experienced flight delays on Friday due to severe weather. Heavy rain, thunder and lightning caused cancellations and delays at major hubs, including Dubai, where Emirates Airline suspended several departing flights due to hazardous conditions.
Looking ahead, King Khalid International Airport is set to undergo a major transformation beginning in the first quarter of 2026. According to the Saudi Press Agency, this will mark the airport’s first comprehensive overhaul since it opened more than four decades ago. The plan includes a large-scale reallocation of operations between terminals aimed at increasing capacity, improving passenger flow and reducing waiting times.
Riyadh’s long-term aviation strategy also includes the upcoming King Salman International Airport, announced in 2022. The new airport is expected to serve up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030 and support the capital’s rapid population growth, positioning Riyadh as a major global aviation hub.