Riyadh Airport (RUH) has been closed for about two weeks due to Houthi attacks, and it is reportedly partially reopening for travel today (October 25, 2026).
However,
Saudia and Riyadh Air have both temporarily relocated their Riyadh operations to Qassim Airport (ELQ), roughly 350 to 400 kilometers from Riyadh.
You can access Saudia here, and Riyadh Air here.
Both Saudia and Riyadh Air operate complimentary bus services between Riyadh and Qassim.
Riyadh Air also offers city check-in for flights operated from Qassim (ELQ) at an InterContinental hotel in Riyadh.
Saudia Information: Flights to and from Riyadh
Flights to and from Riyadh are operating through Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Al Qassim (ELQ).
Your bus between the airport and Riyadh
Your ticket includes a bus arranged by Saudia between the airport and Riyadh. The airport and the bus times are shown in your search results, your booking confirmation and your flight details.
When you land, Saudia ground staff will guide you to the bus. If your trip starts in Riyadh, be at your pick-up point before the time shown in your flight details.
When you land, collect your checked bags before boarding the bus.
Check flight status Bus pick-up and meeting points
Navigate directly to your dedicated transfer pick-up terminal using the interactive maps below.
Riyadh
Riyadh city terminal
Buses to and from Al Qassim and Dammam leave from and arrive at this point.
Al Qassim (ELQ)
Al Qassim domestic terminal
Pick-up and drop-off outside the domestic arrivals hall.
Al Qassim (ELQ)
Al Qassim international terminal
Pick-up and drop-off outside the international terminal.
Riyadh Air Information: From 25 October 2026, your journey with Riyadh Air takes a new path through Al Qassim (ELQ)
Routes included in the new travel plan
From 25 October, Riyadh Air flights between Riyadh and Cairo, Jeddah, Dhaka, London, Lahore, and Islamabad will operate via Al Qassim Airport (ELQ). Check your booking details for your confirmed airport and journey information.
Manage booking CAI
CAI
Egypt – Cairo
DAC
DAC
Bangladesh – Dhaka
JED
JED
Saudi Arabia – Jeddah
LHR
LHR
UK – London Heathrow
LHE
LHE
Pakistan – Lahore
ISB
ISB
Pakistan – Islamabad
Your Riyadh Air journey to Al Qassim, step by step Download the journey guide (PDF) From October 25, selected Riyadh Air flights to and from Riyadh operate via Al Qassim Airport (ELQ). Three steps: check if your route is included, choose how you’ll travel between Riyadh and Al Qassim, and follow the timings. Two ways to get to Al Qassim Airport
Starting in Riyadh? Choose Option 1: check in with us and travel on our complimentary coach. Already in Al Qassim, or prefer to travel on your own? Choose Option 2.
Option 1: Riyadh check-in and coach Option 2: Go direct to Al Qassim
Check in with us at InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh, then travel by coach
Your journey starts in Riyadh. Check in, drop your bags and have your documents checked, then sit back as our complimentary coach takes you to Al Qassim Airport.
Riyadh check-in 
Check-in opens 8 hours 15 minutes before your flight and closes 6 hours 30 minutes before. Check in, drop your bags and show your documents.
Travel by coach 
The coach leaves 6 hours 15 minutes before your flight. Show your boarding pass to our team as you board, then relax for the 4 hour 30 minute journey.
Arrive at Al Qassim 
You arrive about 1 hour 45 minutes before your flight. Your bags are checked through, so go straight to security and passport control.
Fly to your destination 
Make your way to the gate, settle in and board your flight to your destination. Your checked bags fly with you, ready to collect when you land.
Allow about 8 hours 15 minutes from check-in opening to your flight’s departure.See an example
For a 6:00 PM flight: check-in opens at 9:45 AM and closes at 11:30 AM. The coach leaves at 11:45 AM and arrives at Al Qassim Airport at about 4:15 PM. Your flight departs at 6:00 PM.
Where to go InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh
Check-in, bag drop and document checks.
What you need to do
Be at InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh before check-in closes, 6 hours 30 minutes before your flight. Bring your passport, visa if you need one, and your booking reference. Keep your hand baggage, medication and chargers with you on the coach. Save the journey guide (PDF) to your phone.
Conclusion
This move is not as unprecedented as you might think, as Gulf Air temporarily relocated its Bahrain hub to Dammam in Saudi Arabia when Bahrain Airport was closed as too dangerous to operate from.
Riyadh Air is not currently offering connecting services, and these limited flights are only available to passengers who originate or terminate in Saudi Arabia.
The situation in Riyadh certainly has made this Riyadh Air launch even more complicated than it turned out to be.