Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Houthi Missile Claims Disrupt Riyadh Airport and Saudi Flights
Explosions were heard in Riyadh, including near its international airport.
A witness said flights stopped and passengers were asked to leave.
The Houthis said they attacked the airport with missiles.
Saudi Arabia’s coalition said it stopped two missiles aimed at Riyadh and another aimed at Khamis Mushait.
Saudi authorities said falling debris damaged a kindergarten and a medical center, but did not report injuries from that debris.
Reports about damage to planes differed, and the airport had not confirmed them.
Several airlines cancelled or changed flights, and other flights were delayed.
Air India Express and Akasa Air offered affected passengers refunds or free rescheduling.
Officials and airlines advised travelers to check for updates before going to the airport.
Explosions were reported in Riyadh on Thursday, October 8, including near King Khalid International Airport; a witness said flights stopped and passengers were told to evacuate.
The Houthis claimed attacks on the airport, while the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two missiles aimed at Riyadh and another fired toward Khamis Mushait; the Houthi claim of a hit was not independently confirmed.
Saudi civil defense said interception debris damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex; it did not report casualties from that debris.
Aircraft damage reports differed: one source cited by AFP said an aircraft was catastrophically damaged, while another said three planes were hit; the airport had not confirmed the reports.
Air India Express suspended Riyadh flights through October 10 and Akasa Air cancelled its October 8 Kochi–Riyadh services; wider cancellations, delays and travel warnings were also reported.
- Who
- The Houthis claimed the attacks; the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting missiles. Airlines including Air India Express and Akasa Air cancelled flights.
- What
- Explosions and missile-attack claims disrupted air travel at and around King Khalid International Airport; reports of aircraft damage were not confirmed by the airport.
- When
- Thursday, October 8, 2026; Air India Express said its Riyadh cancellations would continue through October 10.
- Where
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport; the coalition also reported intercepting a missile toward Khamis Mushait.
- Why
- The attacks and resulting security concerns led airlines to cancel services and authorities to issue travel and airport advisories.
Houthi account
Saudi-led coalition account
Whether missiles struck the airport
Houthi account
The Houthis said they targeted King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile and claimed it hit its target.
Saudi-led coalition account
The coalition said it intercepted two missiles aimed at Riyadh. The Houthi claim was not independently confirmed, and the airport had not confirmed reports of aircraft damage.
Airspace and aviation risk
Houthi account
The Houthis warned airlines against operating in Saudi airspace, which they described as a theater for their military operations.
Saudi-led coalition account
Saudi authorities and the airport issued safety advisories, while governments and aviation groups urged caution or avoidance of Saudi airspace; the articles do not provide a direct Saudi response to the Houthi warning.
Possible support for Saudi Arabia
Houthi account
The Houthis warned Saudi residents to stay away from oil facilities, which they said were targets.
Saudi-led coalition account
Turkey said possible assistance under a trilateral arrangement with Pakistan would be defensive, not offensive, and said it would pursue diplomacy; Pakistan said it would provide details of any military involvement if necessary.
- Air India Express
- Cancelled flights to and from Riyadh through October 10; offered complimentary rescheduling or full refunds.
- Akasa Air
- Cancelled QP 523 Kochi–Riyadh and QP 524 Riyadh–Kochi services scheduled for October 8; offered free rescheduling or full refunds.
- Houthi claim
- Spokesman Yahya Saree said the group targeted King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile and claimed it hit its target.
- Coalition account
- The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two ballistic missiles fired toward Riyadh and one toward Khamis Mushait.
- Reported aircraft damage
- An AFP source said one aircraft was catastrophically damaged; another source said three aircraft were hit. The airport had not confirmed the reports.
- Debris damage
- Saudi civil defense said interception debris struck a kindergarten and a medical complex; it did not report casualties from the debris.
- Flight disruption
- A report said 58 departures were delayed and 11 cancelled at one point on Thursday; other reports described further cancellations and airport closures.
- Airport advice
- King Khalid International Airport advised passengers to contact their airlines and check flight status before travelling.
Sources
Houthis bombard Saudi air links in effort to cut kingdom off from rest of world
At least one plane ‘catastrophically damaged’ at Riyadh airport after Houthi strikes: Report
Houthis Claim Fresh Attack on Riyadh Airport, Witnesses Report Evacuation
