Saudi airlines are turning to Al Qassim, about a four-hour drive from Riyadh, as an alternative to the capital while its airport remains closed following a deadly Houthi attack almost two weeks ago. The kingdom’s main flag carrier, Saudia, is offering tickets to Riyadh via Al Qassim, with a bus connection to the Saudi capital. Riyadh Air, Public Investment Fund’s startup airline, is also giving passengers booked on flights to Riyadh the option to fly to Al Qassim.
Riyadh airport is now open to traffic with prior permission, but passenger flights have yet to resume and most airlines have canceled services until anywhere from next week to next year. Local airlines have moved planes parked at Riyadh airport to other locations while the airport remains a Houthi target, suggesting that travel to the capital is not expected to resume soon.