KUALA LUMPUR, 20 October 2026: After a comprehensive safety review and operational risk assessment, Malaysia Airlines has resumed scheduled flights from its Kuala Lumpur base to Jeddah (JED) and Madinah (MED), effective 18 October 2026.
Passengers travelling to or from Jeddah and Madinah are advised to verify their flight schedules and update their contact details via ‘My Booking’ on the Malaysia Airlines website or mobile app.
Passengers who booked through third-party platforms or travel agents are advised to contact their booking provider directly about their travel arrangements.
In a press statement, Malaysia Airlines said it “appreciates the patience and understanding of its passengers during the temporary flight suspensions. The airline continues to closely monitor developments in the region, with the safety and security of our passengers and crew remaining our highest priority.”
Airlines resuming operations to Saudi Arabia
- Malaysia Airlines: Resumed scheduled operations to and from Jeddah and Madinah starting 18 October 2026, following security reviews.
- Gulf Air: Bahrain’s flag carrier announced that, after temporary cancellations through 17 October, it resumed scheduled flight operations on 18 October.
- SriLankan Airlines: Resumed flight operations starting 18 October.
- Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings): Short-term temporary suspensions ended after 16 October. Operational evaluations were initiated to restart flights on a route-by-route basis.
Airlines extending suspensions or postponing service
Many other international carriers have maintained or extended flight suspensions due to safety assessments and operational repositioning:
- Etihad Airways & flydubai: Extended temporary cancellations through 18 and 19 October.
- Air India & Air India Express: Suspended flights through 20 October.
- Akasa Air & IndiGo: Suspended services to Saudi destinations (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) through 21 to 24 October.
- Air France-KLM: Suspended services through to the end of October.
- Philippine Airlines: Suspended Riyadh routes through 29 November.
- Cathay Pacific: Delayed return on Hong Kong–Riyadh/Dubai routes until 31 January, 2027.
- Delta Air Lines: Postponed its planned Atlanta–Riyadh route launch to March 2027.
Note: Schedules and security assessments change rapidly during active re-openings. Passengers are strongly advised to verify flight status directly with the respective airlines before travel.
(Source: MH and airline updates)
