Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended flights to Riyadh, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed, clarifying that other flight operations to Saudi Arabia continue as usual. "Flight operations to Saudi Arabia are continuing as usual.
PIA has temporarily suspended flights only to Riyadh," the PAA said in a statement. It also rejected speculation circulating on social media, saying such claims were "not true".
The clarification comes amid heightened concerns following attacks on Riyadh airport on Thursday, which Saudi authorities said killed three people and injured several others. The attacks damaged a Saudia Airlines aircraft and prompted several airlines to cancel flights to the Saudi capital.
Yemen's Houthi group also repeated threats against aircraft flying over Saudi Arabia, except those operating above the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency extended the area in which it advised airlines against flying, citing the recent attacks on Riyadh airport and risks to civil aviation.
The PAA did not provide further details about the duration of PIA's suspension of flights to Riyadh. Aviation experts have noted that regional security dynamics often dictate sudden adjustments in flight paths and operational schedules for international carriers operating within the Middle East airspace.
Passengers holding confirmed tickets for Riyadh during this suspension period are advised to stay in touch with respective airline booking offices for rescheduling options and updates.