The sandy weather led to the cancellation of 535 flights, both domestic and international.

Some passengers, who managed to contact Arab News on Saturday, said the airport remains crowded.

Arnold Dela Cruz, a Filipino businessman, said he was among those who were affected by the sandstorm as his flight to Dubai was delayed.

According to reliable sources, more than 100,000 passengers were affected by flight cancellations until Friday. Those stranded at the airport described the situation as chaotic and uncertain as to when the flights would be resumed.
Arab News tried to contact the airport authorities on Saturday, but was told to contact the public relations department, where officials will be available only on Sunday.

International passengers crowded inside the airport were tense leading to heated arguments and quarreling among themselves and with airport staff.

A passenger, who wished not to be named, told Arab News before boarding that the incident was the most unforgettable experience in his 20 years in Riyadh. “I felt pity for those who had been at the airport for four days,” he said.

A Filipino expat said that many passengers had to spend the night at the airport as they missed their flights. “I was there on Friday night and Filipinos were sleeping at the airport,” said Mohammad Sultan, blaming airport management for mishandling the situation.

Images of passenger overcrowding were posted on various social media network sites.

Airport authorities blamed the situation on bad weather conditions, while critics called it a case of mismanagement, raising questions about lack of proper planning and preparations. “Sandstorms are not uncommon during this time of the year in Riyadh,” one passenger said.