Riyadh’s international airport will remain closed until Saturday to “allow for the completion of procedures to ensure the safety and operational readiness of the airport’s facilities”, the Saudi civil aviation authority said in a statement.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia said the extension of the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is to complete the necessary procedures to verify the safety and operational readiness of the airport facilities, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
According to Cirium aviation analytics company, at least 46% of scheduled 1,048 flights departing from Saudi Arabia were canceled or did not fly on Sunday. Around 82% of flights from Riyadh were cancelled or did not fly. It added that the number can be higher.
Between October 8 and 11, eight of the 31 scheduled Oman Air flights did not fly while most of the cancelled flights were that of Saudia (646), Flyadeal (327), Flynas (311) and Riyadh Air (43).
Most cancellations were reported at Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Abha, among others.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has asked those who had been unable to reach their destinations in the Kingdom from abroad because of the disruption should contact the Saudi missions in the countries where they are located to request assistance.
The International Air Travel Association (IATA) has issued statement on Riyadh Airport attacks that took place on both Saturday and Sunday, besides in the previous week.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and to all those affected by the tragic attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, October 10.”
IATA strongly condemns these continuing attacks. Civil aviation, including passengers, airports, aircraft and aviation personnel, must never be a target. The protection of civil aviation is enshrined in international law and is a fundamental obligation of all parties, said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and Middle East.
The Saudi Embassy in Oman called upon citizens whose travels have been affected or who have been unable to reach their destinations as a result of the suspension or delay of some flights heading to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to contact the Embassy to request the necessary assistance.
