Major regional airlines have suspended operations at Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia following a missile and drone strike reported on July 14. The incident has resulted in the cancellation of numerous flights connecting the kingdom to hubs in the UAE and domestic destinations.
Flydubai and Air Arabia confirmed that services between Abha and Dubai and Sharjah have been grounded. According to flight tracking data, at least 10 departures from the airport were scrapped during the day. Saudia and flyadeal also pulled several services, impacting routes to Riyadh and Jeddah. Industry observers note that these disruptions highlight the ongoing challenges operators face when managing flight paths near active conflict zones.
While no casualties were reported, the sudden closure underscores the sensitivity of regional airspace security. Airlines are currently assessing risk profiles as the situation develops. Aviation authorities and operators are prioritizing safety protocols, which often necessitates immediate groundings when security threats emerge. The cancellations remain in effect as regional tensions face increased scrutiny by international bodies, including the United Nations.