Saudi Arabia Airline Suspensions, October 22, 2026: Every Carrier, Every Date — Lufthansa to November 18 (Dammam November 30), Philippine Airlines November 29, Scoot December 2, Cathay January 31 — BA’s Limited Return November 3 — Delta Moved to March 2027 — Five Drones Intercepted October 21

Riyadh’s airport has reopened, but most foreign airlines have not come back, and the dates keep moving. Five drones were intercepted over Saudi Arabia on October 21, the same day limited flying resumed at Riyadh. This is the airline-by-airline list for travellers in the UK, US, Australia and Canada, with what each carrier has actually announced.

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Key facts (as of October 22, 2026):
Airport: Riyadh’s King Khalid International reopened to limited traffic. Airlines must get prior permission from Saudi’s civil aviation authority before arriving or departing.
Flying now: Saudia and flynas flew into Riyadh on October 21, according to FlightAware data.
October 21 attacks: Saudi-led coalition forces intercepted and destroyed five drones launched toward Medina and the Eastern Region. The Houthi military spokesman has denied responsibility.
Longest suspensions: Cathay Pacific to January 31, 2027. Delta’s Atlanta–Riyadh launch moved from October 23 to March 2027.
Europe: Lufthansa Group to November 18 (Dammam to November 30). BA plans a limited return on November 3.
Your rights: Full refund for any cancelled flight. No cash compensation, because security incidents count as extraordinary circumstances.

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What’s New Since October 20

Drones, October 21. The coalition spokesman said five drones were intercepted and destroyed over Medina and the Eastern Region. The coalition’s statement doesn’t say who launched them, and the Houthis rejected the claim. The interceptions came as the Houthis’ campaign against Saudi airports and energy sites intensified.

Limited reopening. AP reports that a limited number of Saudi carriers took off and landed at Riyadh on Wednesday, two days after authorities told airlines they could resume with prior permission. Major carriers including Lufthansa and Air France have cancelled flights through mid-November.

A status conflict to watch. The US Mission’s October 20 alert still described Riyadh operations as suspended, while Jeddah and Dammam were operating with delays and cancellations. The airport is reopening in stages. Don’t treat “reopened” as “your flight will run”.

Dammam. A UAE outlet reports an attack at Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport, with casualties and diverted flights. I couldn’t confirm details elsewhere, so check your airline directly.

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Airline-by-Airline: Suspensions and Return Dates

All dates are minimums. Airlines are extending them as threats continue.

Europe, UK and US carriers

Gulf and Middle East carriers

Asian and South Asian carriers

Operating at Riyadh: Saudia and flynas, per FlightAware data on October 21. Other Saudi carriers are reported flying under permission.

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Why the Dates Keep Moving

An open airport and a returning airline are separate decisions. After attacks, each carrier runs its own threat assessment, and crew-safety rules, insurance and regulators all weigh in. Saudi aviation rules also require airlines to get prior permission for each operation. Expect more extensions. When a date passes, it usually means “not yet” rather than “resumed”.

Gates to watch:

• October 24–31: the next block of Gulf, Indian and KLM review dates
• November 3: BA’s planned return
• November 18: Lufthansa Group
• March 2027: Delta

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What To Do If You Have a Saudi Booking

1. Check your exact flight on your airline’s own site. Don’t rely on a travel agent’s confirmation.
2. If it’s cancelled, take the cash refund, not a voucher, unless you want one.
3. Check connections. A Gulf hub may be open while its Saudi leg is cancelled, so confirm the final leg is flying.
4. If you can wait, hold your fare credit and rebook only after the airline confirms its restart.
5. If you must go, plan a one-stop route on a carrier that is actually flying, and keep every booking changeable.
6. Follow your government’s alerts. US citizens can use STEP (step.state.gov).

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Your Rights

Insurance: Many policies exclude war and hostilities, and policies bought after the attacks began usually won’t cover cancellation because of them. Read the exclusions before you rely on cover.

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Contacts

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Summary: Saudi Suspensions, October 22

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Related Articles:

• Saudi Arabia Flights October 20, 2026: Lufthansa November 18, BA November 3 — Airline Board
• Riyadh Airport October 2026: Open But Airlines Won’t Return — Carrier Timeline
• DOT vs EU261 vs Travel Insurance: Who Pays First? Complete 2026 Guide
• Airline Refund vs Travel Insurance: DOT, EU261 and UK261 Guide 2026

Posted By : Vinay

As a lead contributor for Travel Tourister, Vinay is dedicated to serving our Tier 1 audience (US, UK, Canada, Australia). His mission is to deliver precise, fact-checked news and actionable, data-driven articles that empower readers to make informed decisions, minimize travel risks, and maximize their adventure without compromising safety or budget.