Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, has ordered a comprehensive operational review at King Khalid International Airport after widespread delays and cancellations disrupted air traffic and caused passenger congestion.
Nearly 200 flights were delayed or canceled on Friday, creating operational bottlenecks and crowding inside terminal buildings at the Riyadh airport.
Al-Jasser, who also chairs the board of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), inspected airport operations on Saturday to assess travel flows and recovery measures.
He was accompanied by GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Matarat Holding CEO Raed Al-Idrissi, Riyadh Airports Company CEO Ayman Abu Abah, and senior airport officials.
During the visit, Al-Jasser toured key airport facilities and reviewed steps taken to restore smooth passenger movement.
At the airport’s operations center, he received a technical briefing on flight performance and on-time rates, and instructed officials to intensify operational efficiency, enhance the passenger experience and facilitate traveler movement in line with the highest safety and quality standards.
He also emphasized the strict implementation of Saudi Arabia’s Passenger Rights Protection Regulations.
Earlier on Saturday, King Khalid International Airport said flight operations had fully returned to normal following coordination with airlines and relevant authorities.
The airport confirmed that all procedures related to canceled and rescheduled flights — which totaled nearly 200 on Friday — had been completed.
The airport expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to travelers and reiterated its commitment to protecting passenger rights under GACA regulations.
It said coordination with airlines is continuing to provide passengers with updates, including baggage collection procedures for canceled flights, and confirmed that corrective measures have been implemented to ensure operational stability and passenger safety.
