Latest news with #KhalidInternationalAirport
Arabian Business
14-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
GCC flights cancelled: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman announce suspensions amid rising tensions
Airlines and airports across the GCC announced suspended flights to and from multiple destinations amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman revealed updated schedules with flights to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran suspended in many circumstances. UAE carriers also announced significant disruption to travel in the region. Saudi flights Airports across Saudi Arabia, and airlines operating in the Kingdom, announced expected travel disruption. Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah all advised passengers to check with airlines before heading to the airport. تنويه لمسافري #مطار_الملك_خالد الدولي Attention #Kkia Passengers — مطار الملك خالد الدولي (@KKIASA) June 13, 2025 A message on social media said: 'In the interest of your safety and comfort and due to the current developments in some countries in the region, travellers heading to destinations affected by airspace closures are kindly advised to contact their respective airlines directly before proceeding to the airport. 'This is to confirm the latest updates on their flights and to avoid any unexpected delays or changes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we are always pleased to serve you.' Bahrain flights Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air announced the cancellation of all scheduled flights to and from Baghdad and Najaf in the Republic of Iraq, and Amman in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, from June 14 to 16, 2025. The decision was made in light of current regional developments. Gulf Air emphasised that it continues to monitor the situation closely, with the safety of its passengers and crew remaining its top priority. The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and confirmed that it is working closely with partners and relevant stakeholders to assist, accommodate, and reroute affected passengers to their final destinations. Passengers were advised to check the latest updates on flight schedules online. Qatar flights Qatar Airways temporarily cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq and Syria due to the current situation in the region. The affected airports in Iran include: Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) Mashhad Airport (MHD) Shiraz Airport (SYZ) In Iraq, the affected airports are: Baghdad Airport (BGW) Erbil Airport (EBL) Basra Airport (BSR) Sulaymaniyah Airport (ISU) Najaf Airport (NJF) It added that, in Syria, flights to Damascus Aiport (DAM) will be cancelled until end of Saturday June 14. In a travel advisory, the airline said: 'Passengers are advised to check the status of their flight on Qatar Airways fully complies with international aviation regulations for safe aircraft routes. Passengers safety remains our highest priority.' Oman flights Oman Air cancelled flights between Muscat and Amman on June 13, 2025 while also rerouting flights to and from Europe. In a statement on social media, it said: 'Due to the current situation, flights WY413 Muscat-Amman and WY414 Amman-Muscat scheduled for June 13, 2025, have been cancelled. We are assisting affected passengers and apologise for any inconvenience caused. 'The rest of our network is operating as scheduled and European flights are being rerouted to avoid affected airspace. We encourage guests to check their flight status at Meanwhile, we continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary. Due to the current situation, flights WY413 Muscat-Amman and WY414 Amman-Muscat scheduled for today, 13th June 2025, have been cancelled. We are assisting affected passengers and apologise for any inconvenience caused. The rest of… — Oman Air (@omanair) June 13, 2025 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused. The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain our highest priority.' Kuwait flights Some flights to and from Kuwait International Airport were diverted, cancelled and rescheduled, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. In a statement on social media, the authority said: 'The Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced the diversion, cancellation, and rescheduling of some flights at Kuwait International Airport due to the current situation in the region. 'The administration confirmed in a statement issued on Friday that it is currently coordinating with airlines operating inbound and outbound flights to and from Kuwait International Airport'. أعلنت الادارة العامة للطيران المدني عن تحويل والغاء واعادة جدولة بعض الرحلات في مطار الكويت الدولي نتيجة الأوضاع الحالية في المنطقة . واكدت الادارة في بيان صادر اليوم الجمعة بانه يتم حاليا التنسيق مع شركات الطيران العاملة للرحلات القادمة والمغادرة من والى مطار الكويت الدولي .… — الطيران المدني (@Kuwait_DGCA) June 13, 2025 Jazeera Airways said: 'Due to the evolving situation in the region, all Jazeera Airways flights to and from Iran have been temporarily suspended until further notice. 'We are closely monitoring developments and will share updates once every 24 hours as the situation progresses'. Kuwait Airways said that all flights were currently operating as scheduled, adding that it wasclosely monitoring the situation.
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Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Jailed over a tweet? British banker faces 10 years in Saudi Arabia prison
A British banking analyst, Ahmed al-Doush, has been sentenced to ten years in a Saudi Arabian prison, reportedly over a single, since-deleted tweet from 2018. The 41-year-old Bank of America analyst was arrested in August last year at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport while attempting to travel to Manchester, England, with his family. The tweet in question reportedly concerned the political situation in Sudan and did not mention Saudi Arabia. Al-Doush's family and human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, believe the charges are linked not only to this tweet but also to his association with the son of a Saudi dissident living in exile. The family emphasises that Ahmed has no political affiliations and that the tweet was posted to a very small audience — his account had just 37 followers at the time. He was charged with violating Saudi Arabia's terrorism and anti-cybercrime laws, though the exact content of the tweet remains unknown. His international lawyer, Haydee Dijkstal, has highlighted serious concerns about the fairness of the trial and due process violations, noting that neither the specific charges nor the evidence have been clearly disclosed. The lawyer urged the UK government to take a strong stance against the imprisonment of a British citizen for exercising free speech rights. Al-Doush's wife, Amaher Nour, has spoken about the emotional and physical toll the imprisonment has taken on her husband, who suffers from thyroid problems and has endured distress during his nine months in detention. She also noted that Ahmed missed the birth of their fourth child and their ten-year wedding anniversary due to his incarceration. 'I rarely speak to my husband, but in the few snatched conversations we have managed, it is clear that Ahmed is struggling,' she said. The sentencing occurred amid a broader context of Saudi Arabia's crackdown on social media dissent, particularly targeting dual nationals and Saudis with Western ties. Several individuals have been detained in recent years over social media posts perceived as critical of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country's de facto ruler. The UK Foreign Office has said it is supporting Ahmed al-Doush and remains in contact with his family and local authorities, though critics argue that government efforts have been insufficient. Human rights groups have called for his immediate and unconditional release, condemning the arbitrary detention and the lack of transparency surrounding his case. [With agency inputs]
Western Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Trump gives Saudi speech urging Iran towards a ‘new and a better path'
The president said at the US-Saudi investment conference, during a four-day Middle East trip, that he wants to avoid conflict with Tehran. 'As I have shown repeatedly, I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even if our differences may be profound,' he said. He kicked off his trip on Tuesday with his visit to the Saudi capital Riyadh. The latest entreaty to Tehran comes days after he dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet Iranian officials for a fourth round of talks aimed at persuading Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme. 'As president of the United States, my preference will always be for peace and partnership, whenever those outcomes can be achieved,' Mr Trump said. He also said he hopes Saudi Arabia will soon join the Abraham Accords and recognise Israel 'in your own time'. Saudi Arabia long has maintained that recognition of Israel is tied to the establishment of a Palestinian state along the lines of Israel's 1967 borders. Under the Biden administration, there was a push for Saudi Arabia to recognise Israel as part of a major diplomatic deal, but the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 2023 upended those plans and sent the region into one of the worst period it has faced. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomes Donald Trump to Riyadh (Alex Brandon/AP) Mr Trump also signed a host of economic and bilateral co-operation agreements with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi de facto ruler, warmly greeted him as he stepped off Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport. The two leaders then retreated to a grand hall at Riyadh airport, where Mr Trump and his aides were served traditional Arabic coffee by waiting attendants wearing ceremonial gun belts. 'I really believe we like each other a lot,' Mr Trump said later during a brief appearance with the crown prince at the start of a bilateral meeting. They later signed more than a dozen agreements to increase co-operation between their governments' militaries, justice departments and cultural institutions. Prince Mohammed has already committed to 600 billion dollars (£450 billion) in new Saudi investment in the US, but Mr Trump said a trillion dollars (£750 billion) would be even better. Donald Trump and Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Royal Palace (Alex Brandon/AP) The pomp began before Mr Trump even landed, as Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s provided an honorary escort for Air Force One as it approached the kingdom's capital. Mr Trump and Prince Mohammed also took part in a formal greeting and lunch at the Royal Court at Al Yamamah Palace, gathering with guests and aides in an ornate room with blue and gold accents and massive crystal chandeliers. The prince rubbed elbows with high-profile business executives including Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman, BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink and Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk. Saudi Arabia and fellow Opec+ nations have already helped their cause with Mr Trump early in his second term by stepping up oil production. He sees cheap energy as a key component to lowering costs and stemming inflation for Americans. The Republican president has also made the case that lower oil prices will hasten an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. The three countries on Trump's itinerary — Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — are places where the Trump Organisation, run by Mr Trump's two oldest sons, is developing major property projects. They include a high-rise tower in Jeddah, a luxury hotel in Dubai and a golf course and villa complex in Qatar.
Glasgow Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Trump gives Saudi speech urging Iran towards a ‘new and a better path'
The president said at the US-Saudi investment conference, during a four-day Middle East trip, that he wants to avoid conflict with Tehran. 'As I have shown repeatedly, I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even if our differences may be profound,' he said. He kicked off his trip on Tuesday with his visit to the Saudi capital Riyadh. The latest entreaty to Tehran comes days after he dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet Iranian officials for a fourth round of talks aimed at persuading Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme. 'As president of the United States, my preference will always be for peace and partnership, whenever those outcomes can be achieved,' Mr Trump said. He also said he hopes Saudi Arabia will soon join the Abraham Accords and recognise Israel 'in your own time'. Saudi Arabia long has maintained that recognition of Israel is tied to the establishment of a Palestinian state along the lines of Israel's 1967 borders. Under the Biden administration, there was a push for Saudi Arabia to recognise Israel as part of a major diplomatic deal, but the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 2023 upended those plans and sent the region into one of the worst period it has faced. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomes Donald Trump to Riyadh (Alex Brandon/AP) Mr Trump also signed a host of economic and bilateral co-operation agreements with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi de facto ruler, warmly greeted him as he stepped off Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport. The two leaders then retreated to a grand hall at Riyadh airport, where Mr Trump and his aides were served traditional Arabic coffee by waiting attendants wearing ceremonial gun belts. 'I really believe we like each other a lot,' Mr Trump said later during a brief appearance with the crown prince at the start of a bilateral meeting. They later signed more than a dozen agreements to increase co-operation between their governments' militaries, justice departments and cultural institutions. Prince Mohammed has already committed to 600 billion dollars (£450 billion) in new Saudi investment in the US, but Mr Trump said a trillion dollars (£750 billion) would be even better. Donald Trump and Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Royal Palace (Alex Brandon/AP) The pomp began before Mr Trump even landed, as Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s provided an honorary escort for Air Force One as it approached the kingdom's capital. Mr Trump and Prince Mohammed also took part in a formal greeting and lunch at the Royal Court at Al Yamamah Palace, gathering with guests and aides in an ornate room with blue and gold accents and massive crystal chandeliers. The prince rubbed elbows with high-profile business executives including Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman, BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink and Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk. Saudi Arabia and fellow Opec+ nations have already helped their cause with Mr Trump early in his second term by stepping up oil production. He sees cheap energy as a key component to lowering costs and stemming inflation for Americans. The Republican president has also made the case that lower oil prices will hasten an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. The three countries on Trump's itinerary — Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — are places where the Trump Organisation, run by Mr Trump's two oldest sons, is developing major property projects. They include a high-rise tower in Jeddah, a luxury hotel in Dubai and a golf course and villa complex in Qatar.
South Wales Argus
13-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Trump gives Saudi speech urging Iran towards a ‘new and a better path'
The president said at the US-Saudi investment conference, during a four-day Middle East trip, that he wants to avoid conflict with Tehran. 'As I have shown repeatedly, I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even if our differences may be profound,' he said. He kicked off his trip on Tuesday with his visit to the Saudi capital Riyadh. The latest entreaty to Tehran comes days after he dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet Iranian officials for a fourth round of talks aimed at persuading Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme. 'As president of the United States, my preference will always be for peace and partnership, whenever those outcomes can be achieved,' Mr Trump said. He also said he hopes Saudi Arabia will soon join the Abraham Accords and recognise Israel 'in your own time'. Saudi Arabia long has maintained that recognition of Israel is tied to the establishment of a Palestinian state along the lines of Israel's 1967 borders. Under the Biden administration, there was a push for Saudi Arabia to recognise Israel as part of a major diplomatic deal, but the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 2023 upended those plans and sent the region into one of the worst period it has faced. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomes Donald Trump to Riyadh (Alex Brandon/AP) Mr Trump also signed a host of economic and bilateral co-operation agreements with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi de facto ruler, warmly greeted him as he stepped off Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport. The two leaders then retreated to a grand hall at Riyadh airport, where Mr Trump and his aides were served traditional Arabic coffee by waiting attendants wearing ceremonial gun belts. 'I really believe we like each other a lot,' Mr Trump said later during a brief appearance with the crown prince at the start of a bilateral meeting. They later signed more than a dozen agreements to increase co-operation between their governments' militaries, justice departments and cultural institutions. Prince Mohammed has already committed to 600 billion dollars (£450 billion) in new Saudi investment in the US, but Mr Trump said a trillion dollars (£750 billion) would be even better. Donald Trump and Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Royal Palace (Alex Brandon/AP) The pomp began before Mr Trump even landed, as Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s provided an honorary escort for Air Force One as it approached the kingdom's capital. Mr Trump and Prince Mohammed also took part in a formal greeting and lunch at the Royal Court at Al Yamamah Palace, gathering with guests and aides in an ornate room with blue and gold accents and massive crystal chandeliers. The prince rubbed elbows with high-profile business executives including Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman, BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink and Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk. Saudi Arabia and fellow Opec+ nations have already helped their cause with Mr Trump early in his second term by stepping up oil production. He sees cheap energy as a key component to lowering costs and stemming inflation for Americans. The Republican president has also made the case that lower oil prices will hasten an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. The three countries on Trump's itinerary — Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — are places where the Trump Organisation, run by Mr Trump's two oldest sons, is developing major property projects. They include a high-rise tower in Jeddah, a luxury hotel in Dubai and a golf course and villa complex in Qatar.
