Pilot Nick - 2mn read
A quick note before you read: if you’re planning to fly to, through or over the Middle East in the coming weeks (and that includes most flights between Europe and Asia), this one is for you. If not, feel free to skip this update. Your regular post is coming as usual.
Over the past week, Houthi missiles and drones have hit several Saudi airports. Riyadh’s King Khalid International took the worst of it. At least 19 people have died, among them a Saudia captain and a flynas flight attendant who were simply at work, doing the job my colleagues and I do every day. My thoughts are with their families and their crews.
Here’s where things stand today
Riyadh is closed until at least the end of Saturday, October 17, and that date can move. Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah are open but running heavy delays and cancellations. Dubai and Doha are open and operating. European regulators have told airlines to avoid parts of Saudi airspace and use caution over the rest.
The FAA has also issued a caution notice for American airlines flying over Saudi Arabia, in force until December 10.
If you’re flying between Europe and Asia, this matters even if you never land in the region. Since March, a large share of those flights have crossed Saudi Arabia, and its airports sit on the captain’s list of places we could divert to if we needed to land quickly. With Riyadh shut and warnings in place, airline planners are routing around the risk. Some flights take longer tracks, some go north through Central Asia, and some add a fuel stop. If your flight is scheduled longer than it was last month, that’s usually why, and that extra time is margin they’ve chosen to pay for.
If you’re booked through the region before October 20, check with your airline now and avoid tight connections at the far end.
I’ve updated my full Middle East airspace guide with where every hub stands, the backup hubs I’d use now, and what I’d do if you’re booked this week.
If someone you know is flying that way this month and has been watching the news with a knot in their stomach, please forward this to them.
Fly Safe,
Pilot Nick
