Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Houthi Attacks Damage Riyadh Aircraft, Disrupt Flights
A parked Saudia airplane at Riyadh’s airport was hit by pieces from a projectile that had been intercepted.
Reports said the plane caught fire and was badly damaged.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said three Saudi citizens died, including an airline pilot, and people of other nationalities were hurt.
The Houthis claimed several attacks, but Saudi authorities did not comment on those claims.
Many flights to and from Riyadh were cancelled.
Several airlines paused or changed their flights, though reports gave different dates for when some services might resume.
Travellers were advised to check with their airline before going to the airport.
The attacks are part of renewed fighting involving the Houthis and forces backing Yemen’s government.
Reuters reported shrapnel from an intercepted projectile hit a parked Saudia aircraft at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, which caught fire and was heavily damaged.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said three Saudi citizens, including an airline pilot, were killed and people of different nationalities were wounded in attacks targeting the airport and aircraft.
The Houthis claimed multiple attacks and said they fired missiles at airports in Riyadh and Najran; Saudi authorities did not comment on those claims.
FlightAware data cited in the reports showed more than 275 cancellations at Riyadh airport on Thursday and at least 124 cancellations by Friday afternoon.
Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, IndiGo, Lufthansa and Pakistan International Airlines suspended or changed Riyadh services; reported suspension end dates differ.
- Who
- The Houthis, Saudi authorities, passengers and airport workers, and airlines including Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, IndiGo, Lufthansa and Pakistan International Airlines.
- What
- Attacks targeted Riyadh airport and a Saudia aircraft; the aircraft was heavily damaged, deaths and injuries were reported, and flights were disrupted.
- When
- Thursday and Friday, October 8–9, 2026, according to the articles.
- Where
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Houthi claims also referred to airports in Najran.
- Why
- The Houthis say they are targeting Saudi Arabia because it backs Yemen’s government; Saudi Arabia says it is supporting an offensive by Yemen’s UN-recognised government.
Houthi position
Saudi position
Reason for the conflict
Houthi position
The Houthis say they are targeting Saudi Arabia because it backs Yemen’s government in the civil war.
Saudi position
Saudi Arabia says it is backing an offensive by Yemen’s UN-recognised government to retake territory.
Claims about the airport attacks
Houthi position
The Houthis said they carried out attacks on Riyadh airport and fired additional missiles at airports in Riyadh and Najran.
Saudi position
Saudi authorities did not comment on the Houthi claims. The Saudi-led coalition said it destroyed missiles fired toward Riyadh and Khamis Mushayt.
- Aircraft
- A parked Saudia Airlines plane was reportedly hit by shrapnel, caught fire and was heavily damaged.
- Reported casualties
- Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said three Saudi citizens, including an airline pilot, were killed and people of different nationalities were wounded.
- Thursday cancellations
- More than 275 flights were cancelled at Riyadh airport on Thursday, according to FlightAware data cited by ABC News.
- Friday cancellations
- At least 124 flights to and from Riyadh had been cancelled by Friday afternoon, according to FlightAware.
- Airline response
- Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, IndiGo, Lufthansa and Pakistan International Airlines suspended or altered Riyadh flights.
- Reported service end dates
- Reports gave differing dates: Air India and Akasa Air services were described as paused until Saturday, Air India services also as cancelled until October 10, IndiGo until Friday or October 9, and Lufthansa until October 16.
- Travel advice
- Passengers were advised to check flight status with their airline before going to the airport.
- Displacement
- One report said about 200,000 people had been displaced since fighting in Yemen resumed.
