Riyadh airport closure extended to October 17 disrupts UAE pilgrimage travel

Flight cancellations following attacks on Riyadh airport have disrupted Umrah travel from the UAE during the peak October-January pilgrimage season. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has suspended operations, with the closure extended until October 17. The disruption has grounded over 3,000 flights and left travellers concerned about getting to and from Saudi Arabia. Travel agents report that enquiries and bookings have fallen significantly, with passengers worried about further cancellations and uncertainty around airport operations. Umrah passengers have postponed their journeys or changed travel dates, with airlines offering refunds or date changes on affected services. Alternative routes through Dammam, Medina, and Jeddah airports remain operational, and some travellers are using road transport and bus services as alternatives, though these journeys are longer and more costly. The disruption is particularly significant as Saudi Arabia is a major destination for both pilgrimage and business travel from the UAE.