Houthi missile attack on Riyadh airport disrupts flights and causes casualties

On 8 October 2026 a ballistic missile attack hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing three Saudi citizens and injuring 36 people according to Saudi authorities, while other reports say at least a dozen people were killed and 309 injured, and another source reports three foreign nationals killed with the same 36 injuries.

The attack damaged a Saudia aircraft parked at the terminal and led to widespread flight disruptions, with 169 of 378 scheduled departures canceled according to one report and 293 flights (about 39% of scheduled movements) recorded as canceled or non‑operating by another source; Saudia alone canceled 162 flights and delayed 108, while low‑cost carriers flyadeal and flynas also reported dozens of cancellations and delays. Lufthansa and Air India suspended flights to Riyadh, and Delta’s planned nonstop service from Atlanta faces uncertainty.

Airlines continue to assess the situation, with some suspensions already in place and future services, such as Delta’s launch, under review.