Missile attack on Riyadh airport damages Saudia plane and disrupts flights

Attack details

The Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on King Khalid International Airport on 8 October 2026. Saudi authorities said two missiles were intercepted over Riyadh, with debris damaging a kindergarten and a medical clinic. A Saudia Airbus A320 parked at the terminal was struck, caught fire and was likely a hull loss.

Casualties

Saudi authorities reported three Saudi citizens killed and 36 people injured, while another report said four people were killed in the attacks.

Flight disruptions

Air traffic at Riyadh was severely disrupted. One source recorded 169 of 378 scheduled departures canceled or not operating, while another source recorded 293 canceled or non‑operating flights, about 39 % of scheduled arrivals and departures. Saudia cancelled 162 scheduled flights and delayed 108, flyadeal recorded 39 cancellations and 53 delays, and flynas recorded 37 cancellations and 86 delays.

Lufthansa suspended flights to Riyadh through 16 October, and Air India also suspended flights to the city. Etihad Airways and Flydubai cancelled flights scheduled for 10 October.

Resumption of operations

GACA said airport operations had resumed and air traffic had returned to normal, with Saudia reporting that its flights and operations returned to normal at 6 p.m. on 8 October 2026.