Philippine Airlines Cancels Riyadh Flights As Houthi Attacks Target Saudi Airport

Category: Saudi Arabia

Philippine Airlines has cancelled two Manila-Riyadh flights amid escalating regional tensions and reported Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including a claimed attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) cancelled two flights between Manila and Riyadh as the security situation around Saudi Arabia continued to deteriorate. The airline said the decision was made due to the developing situation in the region, while its operations teams assess conditions at affected airports.

Philippine Airlines Cancels Two Riyadh Flights

PAL said flight PR654 from Manila to Riyadh, scheduled for October 8, and return flight PR655 from Riyadh to Manila, scheduled for October 10, have been cancelled.

The airline said its operations teams are evaluating airport conditions and their potential impact on subsequent flights. Passengers affected by the cancellations will be informed about available travel options.

PAL also emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority as the regional security situation continues to change.

Houthis Claim Missile Attack on Riyadh Airport

The flight cancellations came as security concerns increased across Saudi Arabia. On Thursday, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed that it had launched a ballistic missile toward King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The latest Houthi claim has not been independently confirmed by Saudi authorities.

The development follows attacks claimed by the Houthis on Riyadh and Abha airports on Wednesday. Saudi civil aviation authorities said those incidents killed three people and injured 36 others.

Saudi Arabia has also reported previous attacks targeting civilian aviation facilities. Earlier this week, Saudi airports in Jazan and Najran were targeted in Houthi attacks, leaving three people slightly injured and causing property damage.

Saudi-Led Forces Strike Houthi Targets in Yemen

The escalation has also been followed by increased military activity in Yemen. Saudi-led forces subsequently said they had carried out strikes against 82 Houthi military sites in Yemen.

The latest military escalation comes after the Saudi-led coalition joined a new Yemen government offensive against the Houthis. The coalition said 100 warplanes were deployed to provide air support during Operation Dawn of Yemen.

PAL Flights After October 10 Remain Uncertain

Philippine Airlines has not yet announced whether Manila-Riyadh flights scheduled after October 10 will also be affected.

Filipino passengers travelling between Manila and Riyadh should check the airline’s latest flight-status information and travel advisories before travelling to the airport.

Passengers should also remain prepared for possible schedule changes as airlines continue to monitor airport conditions and the wider security situation.

Regional Tensions Disrupt Saudi Arabia Flights

The latest PAL cancellations come only days after the airline resumed Riyadh services as regional tensions appeared to ease.

The renewed disruption highlights how quickly flight schedules can change when security conditions deteriorate across the region. Airlines operating routes to Saudi Arabia are continuing to assess risks and airport conditions as the wider conflict develops.

Key Details of the PAL Riyadh Flight Cancellations