Riyadh Air relocates fleet following missile and drone attacks

Riyadh Air has moved significant portions of its fleet from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to safer locations due to a series of missile and drone attacks by the Yemeni Houthi militia. On October 13, 2026, three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners were evacuated from the danger zone within a 23-minute window, landing in Al-Ula and Medina. A fourth Boeing 787-9 was relocated from Jeddah to Lahore, Pakistan.

Reports indicate that the evacuation flights may have been escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force fighter jets to protect against potential drone or missile approaches. The security measures follow attacks on the Riyadh hub that resulted in significant property damage and fatalities.

In response to the heightened security situation, some airlines are adjusting their operations. Swiss has decided to avoid Saudi Arabian airspace for its current routes, such as those to India and the Far East, opting to fly via Azerbaijan to avoid operational complexity and potential airspace closures. Conversely, Edelweiss and Austrian Airlines continue to utilize the airspace, noting its importance for specific destinations like the Maldives.