Saudi airlines move aircraft out of Riyadh after Houthi attacks

Saudi airlines and aircraft owners are moving planes out of Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (RUH) after deadly attacks on the airport, according to Live and Let's Fly, which cites a Wall Street Journal report. The relocation covers as much as $4 billion worth of aircraft, and the data point to a rapid exodus in the week to 14 October.

The scale of the relocation

Per the Wall Street Journal, as relayed by Live and Let's Fly, Flightradar24 data show the number of aircraft on the ground at RUH fell from 134 on 8 October to 38 by noon on 14 October.

The WSJ also reviewed an insurance report that identified six damaged aircraft, one of them written off, with a combined insured value of roughly $375 million. Live and Let's Fly stresses that this is the insured value of the aircraft, not a confirmed repair bill or final insurance payout.

The outlet reports that the attacks have killed travellers and airline employees and caused extensive disruption, and that a Saudia Airbus A320 was destroyed.

Where the aircraft are going

Riyadh Air is among the carriers repositioning aircraft, according to Live and Let's Fly. The movements it lists include Boeing 787-9 flights to Al Ula and Medina, as well as a separate relocation from Jeddah to Lahore. The article does not say how Saudia is handling its remaining fleet beyond the loss of the A320.

Wider context

Live and Let's Fly says the Houthis have threatened further attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities, so the risk has not passed. It also reports that airlines are cancelling flights and that Delta has postponed its planned Riyadh launch until March 2027. The author argues that moving aircraft does not help passengers whose flights were due to leave Riyadh, though leaving valuable aircraft at an airport facing repeated attacks is a poor alternative. That is the outlet's opinion rather than a reported fact.

What this means for travellers

• Flights to and from Riyadh may be cancelled or disrupted, as the source reports that airlines are already cancelling services.
• Aircraft repositioned to Al Ula, Medina, Jeddah or other airports are not necessarily available for Riyadh services, so schedules and capacity may be affected.
• Anyone booked to or via Riyadh, including on Saudia or Riyadh Air, should check flight status and rebooking options with their airline before travelling.
• Delta's Riyadh launch is now planned for March 2027.

It is not yet clear how long the disruption will last or which specific flights are affected, as the source does not give a schedule of cancellations.

Sources: Live and Let's Fly, citing the Wall Street Journal.