Alternative hotels and flights for Saudis in London after the suspension of operations at Riyadh Airport

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As a result of the suspension of operational operations at King Khalid International Airport, after the Houthi terrorist militia attacks that targeted Riyadh, the Saudi Embassy in London made it possible to secure housing and arrange alternative flights for stranded citizens to return to the Kingdom.

The sponsorship of the Saudi Embassy in London included about 2,200 Saudi citizens, while the embassy made adjustments to the reservations of some, and also rearranged travel dates, in addition to providing alternative flights from London to Jeddah and Dammam, instead of flights heading to Riyadh Airport.

In the same context, the efforts of the Saudi Embassy in London were not limited to making travel arrangements, but rather extended to providing alternative accommodation, in addition to following up on the needs of citizens during the waiting period.

In addition, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on citizens whose flights were affected and who were unable to reach their destinations as a result of the suspension or delay of some flights heading to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, to contact the missions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the countries in which they are located, in order to request assistance and provide the necessary instructions.

In light of these developments, Al Arabiya correspondent Mustafa Zaro monitored part of the movements of the Saudi Embassy in London to secure housing and travel services for citizens, at a time when it continues to monitor the conditions of citizens and coordinate options for their return, amid the disruption of air traffic and the change in flight paths. Citizens spoke to Al Arabiya about the speed of the embassy’s response and the level of services provided, at a time when the new arrangements were necessary to overcome the repercussions of flight disruption.

Citizen Muhammad Al-Rabah said that the services provided were at the highest level, whether in care or providing housing, while another praised the attention he received, especially with regard to booking alternative flights.

The Saudi citizen, Meshaal, described the embassy’s interaction as very quick, noting the hospitality and services that he said exceeded his needs.

Between changing destinations, rescheduling appointments, and securing housing, the speed of response emerges as a key factor in containing the repercussions of air traffic disruption, and ensuring the continued provision of services to Saudi citizens outside the Kingdom in exceptional circumstances.