Riyadh Air has temporarily moved its flight operations from Saudi Arabia’s capital to Al Qassim International Airport following security threats and attacks affecting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The change began on October 25, 2026 and allows the airline to resume a limited number of services.

For passengers, the move means several flights that would normally depart from Riyadh now leave from an airport hours away by road. Riyadh Air is providing complimentary coach transfers to help travelers reach their new departure point.

October 25, 2026

Relocation Began

6 Destinations

Operating via Al Qassim

Free Coach

From Riyadh to Al Qassim

~4 h 30 min

Coach Journey Time

Flying Riyadh Air? Check Your Departure Airport

The relocation is temporary and in place until further notice. Before traveling, confirm your departure airport, check-in location and coach arrangements through Riyadh Air’s official channels. Do not rely on your usual airport arrival time.

Routes Operating From Al Qassim

The selected services operate through Al Qassim Airport, also known as Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport, near Buraidah in Saudi Arabia’s Al Qassim region:

London Heathrow

United Kingdom

Cairo

Egypt

Jeddah

Saudi Arabia

Dhaka

Bangladesh

Lahore

Pakistan

Islamabad

Pakistan

Other parts of Riyadh Air’s network have been suspended or adjusted during the disruption. Passengers should not assume that previously advertised routes are operating as normal.

How to Get From Riyadh to Al Qassim Airport

Option 1: Riyadh Air Coach

Check in at the InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh hotel, where you can hand over checked baggage and have travel documents verified before boarding the free coach.

  • Check-in in Riyadh opens 8 h 15 min before
  • Coach departs 6 h 15 min before
  • Road journey ~4 h 30 min
  • Arrival at Al Qassim ~1 h 45 min before

Option 2: Travel Independently

Passengers can go directly to Al Qassim Airport. Riyadh Air advises:

  • Drive from Riyadh Allow ~4 hours
  • Arrive at the airport At least 3 h before

Airport check-in and baggage drop follow a separate schedule for these travelers.

Why Has Riyadh Air Relocated?

The decision follows attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement that disrupted operations at King Khalid International Airport in October 2026. Although the airport announced a reopening on October 25, Riyadh Air chose to resume its selected services from Al Qassim instead.

Al Qassim is farther from Yemen, although its location does not eliminate the wider regional security risk.

A Challenge for Riyadh Air’s Hub Plans

Riyadh Air was established to make Riyadh a major international aviation hub connecting Saudi Arabia with the Middle East, Europe, Asia and beyond. Operating from a different airport complicates that hub-based model and adds a substantial ground journey for passengers starting their trip in the capital.

Before You Travel

  • Confirm your flight is operating through Riyadh Air’s official channels.
  • Verify the departure airport, check-in location and coach times for your booking.
  • Check onward connections, as schedule changes may affect connecting flights.
  • Ask about change or refund options if the new arrangement does not suit your plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Riyadh Air temporarily moved selected flights to Al Qassim after security threats and attacks disrupted operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

Six routes: London Heathrow, Cairo, Jeddah, Dhaka, Lahore and Islamabad.

Al Qassim Airport, also known as Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport, is near Buraidah in Saudi Arabia’s Al Qassim region.

Yes. Riyadh Air offers a complimentary coach from the InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh hotel, where passengers check in and drop their bags before boarding.

Check-in in Riyadh opens 8 hours and 15 minutes before the flight, and the coach leaves 6 hours and 15 minutes before departure.

The coach takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. Riyadh Air advises allowing about 4 hours if you drive yourself.

Yes. Independent travelers should arrive at Al Qassim Airport at least 3 hours before departure, where a separate check-in schedule applies.

King Khalid International Airport announced a reopening on October 25, but Riyadh Air chose to resume its selected services from Al Qassim. Check with your airline for the latest status.

The arrangement is temporary and in place until further notice.

Riyadh Air has published guidance for affected passengers. Use its official channels to check whether your reservation qualifies for a change or refund.