Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended its flights to Riyadh, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has confirmed. However, the authority clarified that other flights between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are continuing as usual.
The announcement came amid growing concerns over aviation safety following reported attacks on Riyadh airport that have raised questions about flight operations in the region.
According to the PAA, the suspension applies specifically to PIA services operating to the Saudi capital. The authority also dismissed rumours circulating on social media about wider disruptions, describing the claims as inaccurate.
In its statement, the PAA emphasised that flights to other destinations in Saudi Arabia remain operational. Passengers travelling to the Kingdom have therefore been advised to distinguish between the temporary Riyadh suspension and other ongoing flight services.
The security situation has attracted international attention after Saudi authorities reported that attacks on Thursday resulted in three deaths and several injuries. Reports also indicated that a Saudia Airlines aircraft sustained damage during the incident.
Following the attacks, several airlines reportedly cancelled flights to Riyadh as concerns about passenger safety and airport operations increased. The developments have placed additional pressure on airlines to assess potential risks before operating services to affected areas.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi group reiterated threats against aircraft flying over Saudi Arabia, with exceptions reportedly covering flights above the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Such threats have added to concerns surrounding the safety of civilian aircraft operating in the region.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also expanded the area covered by its advice against flying, citing the recent Riyadh airport attacks and the potential risks to civil aviation.
The latest developments highlight the challenges airlines face when security conditions deteriorate and flight routes become potentially hazardous. Airlines and aviation authorities must consider changing security assessments when deciding whether to continue, reroute or suspend services.
The PAA has not announced how long PIA’s Riyadh flight suspension will remain in place. Travellers planning to fly to Riyadh should check directly with PIA for the latest updates, departure information and possible alternative arrangements before leaving for the airport.
