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King Khalid International Airport issued the travel advisory through its official X account, directing passengers to reach out to their respective airlines and verify flight details prior to departure. The statement, which has been reiterated in recent days, seeks to prevent travelers from encountering unexpected changes upon arrival at the terminal. According to the airport, this step helps maintain smooth operations during a period of heightened alertness.
The advisory follows a series of incidents linked to Houthi activities, with the Saudi-led coalition reporting the successful interception of three ballistic missiles on Thursday. Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki stated that the projectiles, including two aimed at Riyadh, were destroyed in mid-air. This development came shortly after direct strikes on Saudi airports earlier in the week.
General Authority of Civil Aviation data places the death toll from the Tuesday attack on Abha International Airport at two expatriate women from Morocco and Algeria, with 28 people injured including Saudi citizens and nationals from Bangladesh and the Philippines. A subsequent strike on King Khalid International Airport the next day killed one Sudanese resident and injured eight others, among them five Saudis, two Egyptians and one Pakistani, the authority reported. The incidents have prompted enhanced security protocols at aviation facilities across the kingdom.
Flightradar24 tracking information showed that 324 flights, or 41 percent of the schedule, were canceled at King Khalid International Airport on the day of the initial advisory. An additional 188 flights, representing 24 percent, experienced delays according to the flight monitoring service. These disruptions prompted airlines to adjust schedules rapidly while prioritizing passenger safety.
Travelers have been encouraged to utilize the airport’s official website at kkia.sa and mobile applications for the most current updates on arrivals and departures. Similar guidance has been extended by administrations at other key Saudi airports including those in Jeddah and Dammam in response to the broader regional conditions, Al Arabiya English reported. The General Authority of Civil Aviation has emphasized the value of direct communication with carriers to ensure accurate information.
The airport operator noted that proactive verification allows passengers to adapt their plans effectively amid evolving circumstances. Officials have thanked the public for their patience and understanding as measures are implemented to safeguard operations. Real-time flight information remains available through multiple official platforms to support informed travel decisions.
