ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended flight operations to Riyadh amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and fears of further attacks by Houthi rebels on Saudi infrastructure.
The suspension affects Islamabad-Riyadh flight PK-753 and the return service, PK-754, according to media reports.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan said on Friday that the decision had been taken in view of the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
He advised passengers to contact the airline’s call centre at 111-786-786 before leaving for the airport to confirm the latest status of their flights.
The spokesperson apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers by the temporary suspension.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed that PIA had suspended its Riyadh operations but clarified that flights to other Saudi Arabian cities were continuing as scheduled. It also dismissed speculation circulating on social media about a wider suspension of flights to Saudi Arabia.
The decision comes amid a series of missile and drone attacks attributed to Houthi rebels targeting Saudi airports and other infrastructure.
According to Saudi authorities, attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport on October 6 and 7 left three people dead, including a Pakistani national, and injured 36 others.
The developments have raised security concerns for air travel in the region, prompting airlines and aviation authorities to monitor the situation closely.
Passengers travelling between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been advised to verify their flight schedules directly with their respective airlines before departing for the airport.
PIA has not announced when its Riyadh flight operations will resume.