New Saudi luxury airline forced to cancel, redivert flights under Houthi attacks

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new luxury airline, has had to cancel and redivert flights in response to Houthi attacks targeting the country’s aviation infrastructure, according to reporting from the Wall Street Journal cited in The Jerusalem Post. The disruptions followed the airline’s relatively recent entry into commercial service this summer.

The attacks led to the evacuation of all aircraft from Riyadh’s home base and caused a near two-week pause in most operations, with remaining flights landing in Jeddah or at a smaller airport about 200 miles from Riyadh. Passengers are then transported by ground journeys lasting roughly an hour to reach the capital.

Riyadh Air was planned as a high-end carrier intended to attract wealthy travelers, aligning with similar premium airlines in the region. The attacks have constrained its flight program and forced a reduction in its overall flight volume while operations are adjusted.

The airline’s sister carrier, Saudia, has also faced disruptions linked to Houthi assaults, including an incident on October 8 that resulted in the death of a pilot and the destruction of an aircraft. In response to the strikes, Riyadh Air staff have begun volunteering at hospitals treating victims, and assets remain in flux as flights are canceled or redirected and equipment is moved from Riyadh.

Beyond the Houthi threat, there are broader regional security considerations, with Iranian officials indicating plans to target civilian infrastructure, including airports, in retaliation scenarios. Riyadh Air is facing a renewal of its war-risk insurance policy in November as it plans to resume and expand service, including semiregular operations from an Al Qassim province airport with onward connections to London, Islamabad, and Cairo.