Gulf Air cancels all Riyadh flights from 12 to 17 October

Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air said on Monday 12 October 2026 that it had cancelled all flights to and from Riyadh airport until Saturday. The airline linked the decision to an extended suspension of operations at the Saudi facility following recent attacks.

Key facts

• Airline: Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain
• Route affected: all flights to and from Riyadh (RUH)
• Cancellation period: 12 October to 17 October 2026 (12:00 midnight)
• Reason given: Saudi authorities extended the suspension of operations at the airport after recent attacks
• Announced: Monday, in a post on X

Which flights are affected?

Gulf Air has cancelled every flight between Bahrain and Riyadh (RUH) during the stated window. The airline said flights to and from Riyadh were cancelled "from 12 October to 17 October 2026 (12:00 midnight)" in its announcement on X.

The source does not say how many flights or passengers are affected, whether any other Gulf Air destinations are involved, or what happens to services after 17 October.

Why are the flights cancelled?

Saudi authorities extended the suspension of operations at Riyadh airport following recent attacks, and Gulf Air said it was cancelling its Riyadh services as a result. The source gives no further detail on the attacks or on when the airport suspension might be lifted.

What this means for travellers

Passengers booked with Gulf Air to or from Riyadh between 12 and 17 October 2026 should expect their flights not to operate. Anyone travelling on that route during the period should check directly with the airline about their booking.

The announcement does not include information on refunds, rebooking, alternative airports or compensation, so those details cannot be confirmed from this update.

Gulf Air has not said whether its Riyadh services will resume immediately after 17 October, or whether the cancellations could be extended if the suspension at the airport continues.