World · Middle East · 2 days ago
Three Saudis killed in attacks on Riyadh airport and Saudia plane
Two attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday killed three Saudi citizens and injured several people of different nationalities.
One of those killed was a pilot for Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned airline.
The first attack targeted airport facilities, and the second damaged a Saudia aircraft parked on the ground; no passengers were on board.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed they had attacked the airport, though Saudi authorities did not identify those responsible.
The attacks came amid escalating fighting between Saudi-led forces and the Houthis in Yemen.
They disrupted air travel, with many flights canceled and several airlines suspending services to Saudi airports for the next few days.
Riyadh airport has resumed normal operations, while Saudi authorities say they are assessing damage and taking steps to protect passengers and staff.
Three Saudi citizens were killed and several people were injured in two attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 8.
The first attack targeted airport facilities, while the second damaged a Saudia aircraft parked on the tarmac.
A Saudia pilot was among those killed, and the aircraft had no passengers on board.
The airport’s operations and air traffic returned to normal by 6 p.m. local time on October 8.
Yemen’s Houthi movement said it had attacked Riyadh airport, but Saudi authorities did not identify those responsible.
- Who
- Three Saudi citizens were killed, including a Saudia pilot, and several people of different nationalities were injured.
- What
- Two attacks targeted Riyadh airport facilities and a Saudia aircraft, causing deaths, injuries and material damage.
- When
- Thursday, October 8, 2026.
- Where
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Not stated. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed it had attacked the airport.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
highly fluid
greater focus on aviation infrastructure
an inseparable part of the security
Two attacks targeted airport facilities and a Saudia aircraft at King Khalid International Airport.
Saudia said airport operations returned to normal at 6 p.m. local time.
Saudi authorities announced that three citizens had been killed and several people injured.
Flight-tracking site FlightAware showed at least 124 flights to and from Riyadh canceled by Friday afternoon.
- Deaths
- 3 Saudi citizens
- Injuries
- Several people of different nationalities; injuries ranged from minor to serious
- Airport
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
- Aircraft
- Saudia plane damaged while parked; no passengers were on board
- Operations resumed
- 6 p.m. local time, October 8, 2026
Sources
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