PIA temporarily suspends flights to Riyadh amid Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended its flight operations to Riyadh in view of the evolving situation in the Middle East, the airline’s spokesperson said on Friday.

In a statement issued on October 9, PIA urged passengers to contact its call centre before leaving for the airport to check the latest status of their flights.

Passengers can reach the airline’s call centre at 111-786-786 for updated flight information, according to the statement. PIA also apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension of its operations to the Saudi Arabian capital.

The airline did not specify how long the suspension would remain in place.

Houthi attacks target Saudi airports

Yemen’s Houthi group has intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia on Thursday, targeting airports in Riyadh and Abha, damaging a Saudi passenger aircraft and threatening energy facilities, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the kingdom.

According to Reuters, a commercial aircraft belonging to Saudi state carrier Saudia Airlines was heavily damaged after catching fire while parked near an airport terminal in Riyadh on Thursday. Three people briefed on the matter said the damage may have been caused by shrapnel from an intercepted projectile or another projectile striking the aircraft. No passengers were believed to be aboard at the time.

Video verified by Reuters showed flames and thick black smoke rising from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh after the reported attack.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting the airport and warned that energy facilities would also come under attack, urging workers to stay away from power plants and other sites.

Saudi officials said debris from an intercepted missile had struck a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh. The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted two ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh and another targeting Khamis Mushayt, which hosts a major airbase.

The attacks have disrupted air travel, with Lufthansa and Air India suspending flights to Riyadh. Aviation analytics company Cirium reported that almost half of departures from Riyadh airport had been cancelled by 1500 GMT on Thursday.

Saudi authorities said three people had been killed in strikes on Riyadh and Abha airports during the week.