Attack on Riyadh Airport disrupts flights, causes casualties and aircraft loss

Attack and casualties

The Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on King Khalid International Airport on 8 October 2026. Saudi authorities said two ballistic missiles were intercepted over Riyadh during the attack.

Saudia reported that a pilot, Captain Hamoud Ali al‑Kalthami, was killed when a Saudia aircraft was damaged while parked at the airport with no passengers on board.

Saudi authorities said three Saudi citizens were killed in the attacks and that several other people were wounded.

Flight disruptions

Air traffic at Riyadh was severely disrupted on 8 October 2026. One source recorded that 169 of 378 scheduled departures were canceled or did not operate, while another source noted 293 canceled or non‑operating flights, representing about 39 % of scheduled arrivals and departures.

Saudia cancelled 162 scheduled flights and delayed 108 on the day of the attack. Low‑cost carriers flyadeal and flynas reported 39 cancellations with 53 delays, and 37 cancellations with 86 delays respectively.

Airline responses

Lufthansa and Air India suspended flights to Riyadh following the attack. Air India and Air India Express halted all operations to and from Riyadh until 10 October 2026, and a Delhi‑Riyadh flight turned back to Delhi amid safety concerns.

Operational activities at the airport resumed at 6 pm local time (1500 GMT) on Thursday.