World · Malaysia Bureau
Etihad Airways prolongs suspension of Riyadh services following deadly terminal attack
The United Arab Emirates-based carrier has extended its flight suspension to Saudi Arabia's capital following a deadly assault on a passenger terminal that claimed 13 lives. The airline initially halted services to Riyadh on October 12, just two days after the incident.
LSN Malaysia ·
Etihad Airways has announced an extension to its suspension of flights serving Riyadh, maintaining its cautious stance toward operations in the Saudi Arabian capital following security concerns. The UAE national carrier initially grounded its Riyadh routes on October 12, in the immediate aftermath of a violent attack targeting a passenger terminal that resulted in 13 fatalities.
The decision to prolong the suspension reflects the airline's commitment to passenger safety and security protocols. The attack, which occurred two days before the initial flight halt, prompted several regional carriers to reassess their operational schedules to the kingdom's major hub.
While Etihad has not specified the exact duration of the extended suspension, the move underscores ongoing security assessments affecting aviation in the region. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in terminal infrastructure and prompted heightened security reviews across major airports in the Middle East.
Regional carriers have been closely monitoring the situation, with several adjusting their schedules to key Saudi destinations as a precautionary measure. Etihad's decision aligns with industry-wide caution as operators balance commercial interests against passenger protection measures.