The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Over 45% of Saudi flights cancelled since October 8, residents scramble for alternatives
Residents in Saudi Arabia are being forced to rethink travel plans, take lengthy detours through neighbouring countries and adapt to remote working amid flight cancellations. According to a report by Cirium, more than 45% of flight departures from Saudi Arabian airports have been cancelled since October 8.
More than 45% of flight departures from Saudi Arabian airports have been cancelled since October 8, according to Cirium, as residents rethink travel plans and adapt to the disruption. The closures have led to detours through neighboring countries and a shift toward remote work for some workers.
With Riyadh’s airport closed, domestic carriers have promoted flights from alternative hubs such as Qassim, about three hours from the capital. Some residents have also traveled by road to airports in Bahrain and Qatar to enter or depart Saudi Arabia.
Expats who frequently traveled home on weekends are weighing options amid ongoing uncertainty over when services will resume. One resident described diverting mid-flight due to the situation and successfully reconnecting via an alternate route.
The disruption has prompted government and corporate responses, including a Riyadh-based shift to remote work for government employees and the IMF regional office, while several major events, such as the Future Investment Initiative, have been postponed. Business needs are being met with flexible travel arrangements and alternative routing where possible.