World · Malaysia Bureau
Batik Air suspends Jeddah service following fresh Houthi strikes on Saudi airport
The Malaysian carrier has cancelled Flight OD701 to King Abdulaziz International Airport as a precautionary measure after renewed attacks on Riyadh's aviation infrastructure.
LSN Malaysia ·
Batik Air has suspended its scheduled service to Saudi Arabia's capital following the latest militant strikes on regional aviation targets. Flight OD701, which was due to depart for King Abdulaziz International Airport at 7:25 PM, has been cancelled out of an abundance of caution.
The decision reflects heightened security concerns facing airlines operating in the Middle East region. Yemen-based Houthi forces have conducted multiple attacks on Saudi airspace and airport facilities in recent months, prompting international carriers to reassess their operations and flight schedules.
The suspension affects Malaysian passengers and regional business travellers relying on the Kuala Lumpur-Jeddah route. Batik Air has not specified when services will resume, though the carrier typically monitors security developments before reinstating cancelled flights.
The attacks underscore ongoing risks to civilian aviation infrastructure across the Arabian Peninsula. Multiple international carriers have implemented flight diversions and schedule adjustments in response to the volatile security environment, with some routes facing extended disruptions.