RIYADH- Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air (RX) has shifted selected flight operations from Riyadh (RUH) to Al Qassim (ELQ), approximately 400 kilometers north of the capital, as the carrier works to restore services following missile and drone attacks on King Khalid International Airport. The temporary arrangement, effective October 25, 2026, allows the airline to resume flights on six routes while its primary airport faces significant operational disruption.
The relocation changes the departure arrangements for passengers traveling to Cairo (CAI), Dhaka (DAC), Jeddah (JED), London Heathrow (LHR), Lahore (LHE), and Islamabad (ISB). Instead of departing directly from Riyadh, affected passengers must travel overland to Al Qassim, adding several hours to their journeys.
Riyadh Airport Faces Disruption
King Khalid International Airport has faced repeated attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, forcing authorities to suspend operations and disrupting airline schedules.
Saudi authorities reported that an October 10 attack killed 12 people and injured more than 300, prompting another suspension of airport operations.
The security situation has also affected airlines’ willingness to operate from Riyadh.
US authorities have warned of further attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure, while the US State Department ordered non-emergency government personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia because of escalating security risks.
Riyadh Air’s decision to use Al Qassim provides an alternative for selected services without requiring the airline to wait for normal operations at its intended hub.
However, the move represents a temporary operational adjustment rather than a confirmed permanent change to the carrier’s headquarters or principal base.
Riyadh Air’s Six Routes Resume
Under the revised arrangements, Riyadh Air will operate flights through Al Qassim to six destinations across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Europe.
The schedule includes Cairo, Dhaka, Jeddah, London Heathrow, Lahore, and Islamabad, maintaining connections on routes important to both regional and international travelers.
The airline is offering complimentary coach transfers for passengers starting their journeys in Riyadh. Travelers can check in and drop their baggage at the InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh before boarding the coach to Al Qassim Airport, with the road journey taking approximately four and a half hours.
Passengers can also travel independently to Al Qassim and complete check-in at the airport. Riyadh Air has instructed customers to verify their updated departure airport and journey details before leaving for the airport, as arrangements may differ by booking.
The transfer requirement adds considerable time to trips, particularly for passengers connecting onward or traveling with tight schedules. Travelers should follow the airline’s check-in instructions and allow sufficient time for the road transfer, security screening, and boarding.
Fleet and Security Risks for Riyadh
Riyadh Air began taking delivery of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in June 2026 after delays affected its original launch timeline.
The carrier has since received eight aircraft and announced services connecting Riyadh with destinations including Manchester, London, Madrid, Cairo, Islamabad, Lahore, Mumbai, Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur, Milan, Jakarta, Dubai, Bangkok, Manila, and Jeddah, PYOK flagged.
Moving selected services to Al Qassim offers a way to keep part of this growing network operating during the disruption. However, the alternative airport is not entirely outside the potential reach of long-range missiles, and the security warning covering Saudi airports remains relevant to passengers.
Saudi Arabia operates air-defense systems designed to intercept ballistic missiles and other aerial threats, but attacks on airports and critical infrastructure have continued to raise concerns.
Riyadh Air’s temporary relocation therefore provides an operational alternative, not a guarantee that travel will remain unaffected by further security developments.
Passengers should monitor official airline updates before departure because airport arrangements, schedules, and security conditions can change at short notice.
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