Riyadh airport attacks: What travellers flying to Bali and Indonesia need to know

Reported attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport have raised concerns about flight operations and travel connections across the Middle East. For travellers planning to visit Bali or other destinations in Indonesia, the most important steps are to confirm the status of each flight, review transit arrangements and check directly with the airline before leaving for the airport.

For international visitors planning a stay at The Ridge Bali in Sayan, Ubud, changes to an international connection may affect arrival times, airport transfers and check-in plans. Understanding the route and allowing flexibility can help travellers prepare for unexpected changes without making assumptions about whether their individual flight will operate.

What happened at Riyadh airport?

On 9 October 2026, Al Jazeera reported an attack on Riyadh airport that killed three Saudi nationals. Subsequent reports described further attacks and disruption to airport operations.

Reports published on 12 October 2026 also described additional disruption and flight cancellations. The situation may develop quickly, and operational updates can change between reports. Travellers should therefore rely on the latest official notices and airline-specific information rather than an earlier headline or a general estimate of cancellations.

For further coverage, read detikNews, CNBC Indonesia and detikTravel.

Are flights from Riyadh to Bali affected?

Travellers flying from Riyadh to Bali generally travel from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar (DPS). These journeys commonly involve at least one connection, so the effect of a disruption depends on the full itinerary.

A disruption at Riyadh may affect the first flight, while a separate issue at a connecting airport may affect the onward journey to Bali. Even if the second flight is operating, a missed connection may require a revised itinerary or a new booking.

Travellers should not assume that a ticket remains unaffected simply because the final destination is outside Saudi Arabia. Equally, a reported disruption at Riyadh does not mean that all flights to Bali or Indonesia have been cancelled.

Common Riyadh to Bali flight routes

The following are possible connecting routes to investigate when planning a journey from Riyadh to Denpasar. They are route-planning examples, not confirmation that services are operating during the current disruption.

1. Riyadh to Bali via Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is one possible transit point between Riyadh and Bali. Travellers considering this option should confirm that both the Riyadh–Singapore and Singapore–Denpasar segments are operating.

If your itinerary uses separate tickets, ask both airlines about missed-connection arrangements and baggage handling before departure.

Route information: Singapore Airlines — Riyadh to Denpasar.

2. Riyadh to Bali via Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is another possible transit point on itineraries between Riyadh and Bali. Depending on the booking, the journey may involve different airlines for the international and regional segments.

Check the departure status of both segments, the connection time and whether you need to collect and recheck your baggage. If the flights are booked separately, confirm whether the onward carrier offers protection if the first flight is delayed.

3. Riyadh to Bali via Abu Dhabi

Some itineraries connect through Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Travellers considering this route should check the latest notices from the airline operating the Riyadh–Abu Dhabi segment and the onward flight to Bali.

Do not assume that a connecting route through another airport will avoid disruption. Confirm each segment before making a new booking.

4. Riyadh to Bali via Doha

Doha's Hamad International Airport (DOH) is another connecting point that may appear in Riyadh–Denpasar itineraries. Confirm both the flight from Riyadh and the onward service from Doha to Denpasar.

If your airline changes the itinerary, review the revised transit time and arrival date in Bali. A longer layover or a different connection may affect your accommodation check-in and airport transfer.

5. Riyadh to Bali via Dubai

Dubai International Airport (DXB) may also appear in connecting itineraries to Bali. Check the latest operating notices from your airline instead of assuming that a flight through another Gulf hub will avoid disruption.

A connecting airport may be operating while a particular incoming or outgoing flight is cancelled. The status of every flight segment remains essential when deciding how to proceed.

What about flights from Riyadh to Jakarta and other Indonesian cities?

Travellers heading to Jakarta or another Indonesian destination should follow the same approach. First, confirm whether the flight departing Riyadh is operating. Then verify the status of the onward connection, including any domestic flight within Indonesia.

For travellers connecting through Jakarta before continuing to Bali, the itinerary may include an international arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), followed by a domestic flight to Denpasar (DPS). A change to the international arrival time may affect the domestic connection.

If the international and domestic flights are booked on separate tickets, contact the airlines to understand the rebooking rules. Confirm whether you need to collect baggage, clear immigration or move between terminals before the next flight.

Other Indonesian destinations may require different connections. Always check the complete route and avoid assuming that the operating status of a flight to Jakarta also confirms the status of a flight to Bali, Surabaya, Medan or another city.

How to check your flight status

If you are scheduled to travel from Riyadh to Bali or another destination in Indonesia, use the following steps before leaving for the airport.

• Check your airline's official website or app. Search using your flight number and travel date. Look for cancellations, schedule changes and revised departure times.
• Check Riyadh airport updates. Review the latest operational announcements before travelling to the terminal.
• Confirm every connecting flight. A confirmed first segment does not guarantee that the onward flight is operating.
• Contact the airline if your flight is cancelled. Ask about rebooking, refunds and alternative routing available under your ticket conditions.
• Keep your booking details accessible. Save your ticket number, booking reference and written confirmation of any schedule change.
• Check again before departure. Operational information may change between your initial check and the scheduled departure.

For additional travel information, refer to King Khalid International Airport and your airline's official travel advisory page. You can also review published Riyadh–Denpasar route information, remembering that route listings do not confirm real-time flight operations.

What should you do if your flight is cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled, contact the airline or the travel agent that issued your ticket before purchasing a replacement journey. Available options depend on the airline, ticket conditions, applicable passenger rights and the circumstances of the disruption.

• Ask whether the airline can rebook you on the next available service or offer an alternative route.
• Confirm whether the alternative uses a different transit airport and whether you meet its entry or transit requirements.
• Check whether your ticket covers the full journey or whether separate tickets need to be changed individually.
• Keep receipts for additional expenses and ask the airline or travel insurer which costs may be eligible for reimbursement.
• Notify your accommodation if your arrival in Bali is delayed or your travel date changes.

Avoid booking a replacement ticket through a different airport without reviewing the full route, transit requirements, baggage arrangements and cancellation conditions. A lower fare may not be the most practical option if the connection cannot be completed or the ticket offers limited protection.

Planning your arrival at The Ridge Bali

The Ridge Bali is a private boutique retreat in Sayan, Ubud, surrounded by the natural landscape of Bali. For guests travelling internationally, an unexpected flight delay can affect airport pickup arrangements, check-in timing and planned experiences.

If your arrival date or landing time changes, contact our team as soon as your new itinerary is confirmed. Sharing your updated flight details helps us clarify the available arrival arrangements and advise on adjustments needed for your stay.

Guests can explore our private pool villas and learn more about the retreat before arrival. If you need assistance with an existing reservation, please contact the team through our contact page.

We recommend confirming airport transfer details in advance, particularly during a period of flight disruption. Any transfer or arrival service should be reconfirmed directly with the property rather than assumed to have changed automatically with an airline booking.

A final reminder for travellers to Bali

The reported attacks on Riyadh airport have created uncertainty for travellers using the Saudi capital as a departure point or connection. For journeys to Bali and other Indonesian destinations, the most important information is the current status of the exact flight and every connecting segment.

Check official airline updates, review alternative arrangements before making new bookings and keep your accommodation informed if your arrival changes. A careful approach can help you make better decisions while reliable information is still developing.