Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Kochi-Riyadh Flights Cancelled After Riyadh Airport Security Disruption
Two flights from Kochi to Riyadh were cancelled on Thursday.
The cancellations followed reports of security problems at Riyadh's airport.
A witness said there were explosions and smoke, and that passengers were told to leave.
The Houthis said they had attacked the airport with a missile.
Saudi Arabia's military coalition said it had stopped missiles aimed at Riyadh and another city.
The reports did not confirm the Houthis' claim that a missile damaged the airport.
Passengers were asked to contact their airlines about what to do next.
Accounts of deaths from attacks the day before gave different numbers.
Akasa Air flight QP523 and Saudia flight SV775 from Kochi to Riyadh were cancelled on Thursday.
Cochin International Airport said passengers should contact their airlines for updates and alternative travel arrangements.
A witness reported explosions, smoke, halted departures and passengers being told to evacuate King Khalid International Airport.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for a new attack, while the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted missiles targeting Riyadh and Khamis Mushait.
Reports differed on deaths from Wednesday's attacks: one account said one person was killed at the Riyadh airport, while another said attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports killed three.
- Who
- Akasa Air and Saudia passengers travelling from Kochi to Riyadh; the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition were involved in competing accounts of the attacks.
- What
- Two Kochi-Riyadh flights were cancelled amid reported security disruption at King Khalid International Airport.
- When
- Thursday; the articles do not specify a calendar date.
- Where
- Cochin International Airport in Kochi, India, and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The flights were cancelled following reports of security-related disruption at Riyadh airport amid explosions and claims of missile attacks.
Houthi account
Saudi-led coalition account
Missile attack on Riyadh airport
Houthi account
The Houthis claimed responsibility for a new attack on King Khalid International Airport and said a ballistic missile caused damage.
Saudi-led coalition account
The coalition said it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh. Saudi officials had no immediate comment on the Houthis' specific damage claim.
- Cancelled flight
- Akasa Air QP523, scheduled to depart at 7:55 pm
- Cancelled flight
- Saudia SV775, scheduled to depart at 9:40 pm
- Passenger guidance
- Contact the respective airlines' customer service centres for updates and alternative arrangements
- Airport
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
- Coalition statement
- The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and one aimed at Khamis Mushait
- Conflicting casualty accounts
- One passage said an attack on Riyadh airport killed one person; another said attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports killed three
- Houthi claim
- The Houthis claimed a ballistic missile attack damaged the Riyadh airport; the article said they provided no evidence