Pakistan International Airlines advises passengers to verify flight status before heading to the airport as regional security concerns disrupt air travel.

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended its flight operations to Riyadh amid the evolving security situation in the Middle East, the airline’s spokesperson said on Friday.

The national flag carrier advised passengers to contact its call centre at 111-786-786 to confirm the latest status of their flights before leaving for the airport.

PIA apologised for the inconvenience caused by the suspension and urged travellers to check for updates before proceeding with their travel plans.

The decision comes amid escalating hostilities involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia, with missile attacks and growing security concerns affecting the region’s aviation and energy infrastructure.

According to reports, the Houthis have intensified their strikes against Saudi Arabia, targeting strategic locations and threatening energy facilities. The group claimed it had attacked Riyadh airport, while Saudi officials said debris from an intercepted missile struck a kindergarten and a medical complex.

The attacks have reportedly killed three people this week, further heightening concerns about regional security and the potential impact on commercial aviation.

PIA is not the only airline to have suspended services to the Saudi capital. Lufthansa and Air India have also halted flights to Riyadh following the attacks, according to reports.

The Houthis say their campaign is linked to Saudi Arabia’s support for government forces in Yemen’s renewed civil war. Riyadh, meanwhile, backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government in its efforts to regain territory controlled by the Houthis.

The conflict has intensified amid wider regional hostilities involving the United States and Iran, raising concerns that the fighting could spread further and draw additional countries into the crisis.

Saudi Arabia has sought support from allied nations, including Pakistan and Türkiye, potentially in logistical or defensive roles, as it responds to Houthi advances in southwestern Yemen near the southern entrance to the Red Sea.

The suspension of PIA’s Riyadh flights highlights the wider disruption to air travel caused by the deteriorating security situation. Passengers are advised to rely on official airline updates for confirmed flight information and any revised schedules.