Airlines suspend flights to Riyadh after Houthi attacks

German and Indian carriers halt routes

A Lufthansa spokesperson stated the group would suspend operations until October 16 due to current regional developments. Air India cancelled all services to the Saudi capital until October 10. Other carriers including IndiGo also grounded flights to the area.

Damaged aircraft and civilian casualties

Witnesses reported smoke rising from a stationary plane at King Khalid International Airport earlier on Thursday. Saudi officials confirmed debris from an intercepted missile struck a kindergarten and medical complex in the capital. Three people died in attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports over the weekend.

Pakistan International Airlines joins suspension

PIA temporarily suspended its flight operations to Riyadh citing the worsening situation in the Middle East. The airline advised passengers to contact their call centre before travelling to verify flight status. PIA cancelled specific flights between Islamabad and the Saudi capital on Friday.