Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — King Khalid International Airport witnessed widespread flight delays on Friday involving multiple domestic and international carriers, as large numbers of passengers reported extended waiting times and congestion across terminal areas during the morning hours.

In an official statement, King Khalid International Airport said the disruption was caused by the overlap of several operational factors over the past two days.

These included the diversion of a number of flights from other airports to Riyadh, in addition to scheduled maintenance work within the airport’s fueling system.

The airport said these circumstances led to changes in flight schedules, including delays and cancellations affecting some airlines.

The airport urged travelers to contact their respective carriers before heading to the airport to confirm the status and timing of their flights, noting that this step would help ease congestion inside terminal buildings.

It stressed that passenger safety remains a top priority and said operational teams are working around the clock in close coordination with airlines and relevant authorities to restore normal operations as soon as possible.

Separately, Saudi Arabian Airlines said a temporary technical issue at King Khalid International Airport disrupted the operational flow of several airlines, including Saudia, resulting in the delay and cancellation of a number of departing and arriving flights.

The airline confirmed it is coordinating directly with Riyadh Airports Company to manage the situation.

Saudia added that affected passengers are being contacted through various communication channels and have been exempted from fees related to rebooking or itinerary changes.

The airline advised travelers to check their flight status before proceeding to the airport.