Houthi missile attack damages Saudia aircraft and disrupts Riyadh airport operations

Attack and missile interception

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, while debris from intercepted missiles damaged a kindergarten and a medical clinic.

Aircraft damage

A Saudia Airbus A320 was struck while parked at the airport terminal, caught fire and was severely damaged. The aircraft is likely a hull loss, although no official write‑off has been announced.

Flight disruptions

Air traffic at Riyadh was heavily affected. One report noted that 169 of 378 scheduled departures were cancelled or did not operate, while another source recorded 293 cancelled or non‑operating flights, representing about 39 % of scheduled arrivals and departures. Saudia cancelled 162 scheduled flights and delayed 108, flyadeal recorded 39 cancellations and 53 delays, and flynas reported 37 cancellations and 86 delays.

Following the attack, Lufthansa, Air India and other carriers suspended flights to Riyadh.

Casualties

Three people were reported killed, including Saudia pilot Captain Hamoud Ali al‑Kalthami, and several others were injured. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation reported three foreign nationals killed and 36 injured, while other reports mentioned one person killed and eight injured at Riyadh.