3 hrs ago
Airlines Cancel Riyadh Flights After Houthi Missile Claim
Airlines cancelled some flights to and from Riyadh after explosions were heard near the city's airport.
The Houthi group said it fired a missile at the airport, but that claim was not independently confirmed.
A Saudi-led coalition said it stopped missiles headed toward Riyadh and another area.
A witness said passengers were told to leave the airport and flights stopped.
The airport told travelers to check with their airlines before setting out.
Air India Express cancelled Riyadh flights through October 10, and Akasa Air cancelled two Kochi–Riyadh flights scheduled for October 8.
Both airlines offered refunds or free changes to affected passengers.
Accounts of deaths and injuries from earlier attacks differed.
The reported explosions also coincided with a rise in crude oil prices and market effects.
Air India Express cancelled Riyadh flights through October 10; Akasa Air cancelled its Kochi–Riyadh services scheduled for October 8.
The Houthis claimed a ballistic missile hit King Khalid International Airport, but the claim was not independently confirmed.
A Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two missiles aimed at Riyadh and another fired toward Khamis Mushait.
A witness reported airport evacuations and suspended departures; the airport was advised to check flight status with airlines.
Reports differed on casualties from earlier airport attacks: one account cited three deaths and 36 injuries, while another said one person died and others were wounded in an attack on the Riyadh airport.
- Who
- Air India Express and Akasa Air cancelled flights; the Houthis claimed the attack, and the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting missiles.
- What
- Flights were cancelled and airport operations disrupted after explosions and a claimed Houthi missile attack.
- Where
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Akasa Air's cancelled route linked Kochi and Riyadh.
- When
- Thursday, October 8, 2026; Air India Express cancellations were set to continue through October 10.
- Why
- The airlines cited the evolving regional security situation after explosions and the claimed missile attack.
Houthi account
Saudi-led coalition account
Outcome of the missile attack
Houthi account
The Houthis said their ballistic missile hit its target at King Khalid International Airport and caused damage, but provided no evidence in the report.
Saudi-led coalition account
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh; Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the Houthi claim.
Wider military response
Houthi account
The Houthis warned airlines against operating in Saudi airspace and said Saudi oil facilities were targets.
Saudi-led coalition account
Turkey and Pakistan were assessing possible defensive assistance for Saudi Arabia; Turkey's foreign minister said Turkey would not send troops to carry out an attack and was pursuing diplomacy.
Key facts
- Air India Express
- Cancelled flights to and from Riyadh through October 10; offered free rescheduling or full refunds.
- Akasa Air
- Cancelled QP 523 Kochi–Riyadh and QP 524 Riyadh–Kochi, scheduled for October 8; offered free rescheduling or full refunds.
- Houthi claim
- Spokesman Yahya Saree said a ballistic missile targeted King Khalid International Airport and claimed it hit its target; independent confirmation was not reported.
- Coalition account
- The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and one fired toward Khamis Mushait.
- Airport disruption
- A witness reported that departing flights were halted and passengers were told to evacuate; the number of affected flights was not immediately clear.
- Earlier reported casualties
- One account cited three deaths and 36 injuries in attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports; another described one death and other injuries in an attack on the Riyadh airport.
- Reported flight totals
- One report said 58 departures were delayed and 11 cancelled at one point on Thursday.
- Market impact
- The explosions were reported to coincide with crude oil prices jumping and effects on markets.
Quotes
Hakan Fidan
Turkey’s foreign minister
“Turkey will not be sending troops into another country’s territory to carry out an attack.”
deccanchronicle.com
King Khalid International Airport
The airport issued a passenger advisory on X.
“We would like to inform passengers of the necessity to contact their airlines directly and check their flight status before proceeding to the airport.”
news18.com
Sources
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