Missile attacks on Riyadh airport lead to flight suspensions and airline schedule changes

Airport attacks

A missile strike hit Terminal 3 of King Khalid International Airport on 10 October 2026, killing 12 people and injuring 309, according to two sources. Another source reported three Saudi citizens killed and 36 injured in attacks on the same airport. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said operations at the airport were immediately suspended and later extended until at least midnight on 12 October 2026.

GACA confirmed two separate attacks: the first struck airport facilities and the second hit a Saudia Airbus A320 parked at a gate. Saudi authorities said missiles heading towards Riyadh were intercepted, with debris damaging a kindergarten and a medical clinic.

Flight cancellations and airline responses

On 11 October, 330 flights were cancelled at King Khalid International Airport, affecting carriers such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines. Another source recorded 293 cancelled or non‑operating flights at Riyadh that day, representing about 39 % of scheduled arrivals and departures.

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

Lufthansa and Air India suspended flights to Riyadh, while Ethiopian Airlines also suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam. Qatar Airways announced adjustments to its Riyadh schedule and advised passengers to check flight status.

Delta postpones Atlanta‑Riyadh service

Delta Air Lines delayed its planned nonstop service between Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Riyadh until March 2027 following the missile attacks on Saudi airports.