Saudi Airlines Add Extra Flights to Pakistan Amid Riyadh Airport Disruption

Saudi Arabia's Saudia and Riyadh Air announced additional flights to Pakistan on 21 October 2026 to assist passengers affected by disruptions at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The temporary arrangements offered alternative travel options through Jeddah for eligible passengers whose original journeys had been interrupted.

According to a report published by ProPakistani on 21 October, Riyadh Air planned additional services connecting Jeddah with Lahore and Islamabad on 21 and 22 October. Saudia also announced two additional flights serving Peshawar and Islamabad, with the date of its second extra flight still to be announced in the report.

The announcements were significant for Pakistani travelers facing cancellations, delays and changes to their travel arrangements. However, passengers should understand that these were specific additional services, not a guarantee that every affected traveler could obtain a seat.

What Extra Flights Did Saudi Airlines Announce?

Riyadh Air: Jeddah to Lahore and Islamabad

Riyadh Air announced additional services from Jeddah to Lahore and Islamabad to help passengers affected by the disruption.

The airline's reported arrangements included extra flights on 21 and 22 October. Travelers whose original flights had been cancelled were the primary intended beneficiaries, while passengers holding tickets issued by other airlines could potentially qualify, subject to availability and the airline's conditions.

Because the announced dates are current or have just passed, passengers should not assume that these additional services remain available. Contact Riyadh Air directly to confirm whether any replacement flights or new booking options are currently offered.

Saudia: Additional Flights for Peshawar and Islamabad

Saudia also announced two extra flights serving Peshawar and Islamabad. The first was scheduled for 21 October, while the second flight's date had not been confirmed in the report published that day.

These services were intended to provide additional capacity for passengers affected by the Riyadh airport disruption. Travelers should check Saudia's current announcements for any subsequent schedule changes or replacement arrangements.

Why Were Additional Flights Needed?

Disruptions at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport affected airline schedules and left some passengers needing alternative arrangements.

The additional services through Jeddah were intended to help affected travelers continue their journeys to Pakistan. Pakistani diplomatic representatives in Saudi Arabia also assisted stranded nationals, according to the published reporting.

Nevertheless, the availability of alternative flights depends on operational permissions, aircraft and crew availability, seat capacity and individual booking conditions. An announcement of extra services does not necessarily mean that every cancelled passenger can immediately travel.

What Pakistani Travelers Should Check Before Departure

Passengers travelling between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan should take the following steps before leaving for the airport.

1. Confirm the latest flight status. Check your flight number, departure airport, departure time and operating airline through its official website or customer-service channel.

2. Ask whether you qualify for an alternative flight. If your original ticket was cancelled, provide your booking reference and ask whether the airline can accommodate you on a replacement service. Eligibility and seat availability must be confirmed.

3. Verify the departure airport. An alternative itinerary through Jeddah is different from a departure through Riyadh. Confirm the correct airport, terminal and transport arrangements before travelling.

4. Check connecting flights and baggage. If your journey involves a connection, ask whether your entire itinerary has been rebooked and whether your baggage will be transferred or must be collected.

5. Clarify refund and rebooking conditions. If an alternative flight is unavailable, ask the airline or ticket-issuing travel agent about available dates, refund eligibility and any applicable charges.

6. Keep important documents accessible. Carry your passport, valid travel documents, ticket confirmation and the airline's latest messages. Follow official instructions about airport access and departure arrangements.

What This Means for Travelers Booking Through Pakistan

Passengers departing from Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi or Peshawar should not make new travel decisions based solely on the announcement of additional flights.

If you booked through a travel agency, contact the agency that issued your ticket for assistance with changes that must be processed through its booking system. If you booked directly with an airline, use its official customer-service channels.

Travelers considering a new ticket should compare the actual available itinerary, fare conditions, baggage allowance and connection requirements before paying. A temporary additional flight announced to assist disrupted passengers may not be offered as a regular scheduled service.

For Trips.pk customers, the practical priority is to verify the current flight schedule and booking conditions before making a new reservation or travelling to the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Did Saudi airlines announce extra flights to Pakistan in October 2026?

Yes. ProPakistani reported on 21 October 2026 that Riyadh Air and Saudia had announced additional flights to help passengers affected by Riyadh airport disruption.

2. Which Pakistani cities were included in the extra-flight announcement?

The reported services covered Lahore and Islamabad through Riyadh Air's additional Jeddah services, while Saudia announced extra flights serving Peshawar and Islamabad.

3. Can passengers with cancelled tickets use the additional flights?

Potentially. The reporting stated that affected passengers could use the additional services subject to eligibility and seat availability. Travelers must obtain confirmation from the airline rather than assume automatic transfer.

4. Are the additional flights still available after 22 October?

The announcement covered specific dates, including 21 and 22 October, and did not establish ongoing availability after those dates. Check the airlines' current schedules and contact them directly about replacement options.

5. Should passengers travel to Jeddah if their original flight was from Riyadh?

Not without confirmed arrangements. Travelers should obtain an updated itinerary and verify the departure airport, transfer arrangements and any applicable entry or transit requirements before travelling.

6. What should I do if my airline cannot offer another flight?

Ask the airline or ticket-issuing travel agent about alternative dates, rerouting, refund eligibility and applicable ticket conditions. Keep written confirmation of the cancellation and any agreed changes.