Saudia aircraft fire at Riyadh airport prompts widespread flight suspensions
A Saudia passenger jet caught fire while parked at King Khalid International Airport on 8 October 2026, with the Houthis claiming a ballistic missile strike. Multiple airlines suspended services to Riyadh and dozens of flights were cancelled.
Aircraft fire and damage
A Saudia aircraft caught fire while parked at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 8 October 2026. The fire was reported to have been caused by shrapnel from a missile or an interceptor that struck the stationary aircraft, and the aircraft is likely a hull loss, though no official write‑off has been announced.
Responsibility claims
Iran‑aligned Houthi rebels said they launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport. Saudi authorities said missiles heading towards Riyadh were intercepted, with debris damaging a kindergarten and a medical clinic.
Airline suspensions
Lufthansa suspended flights to Riyadh, with the Lufthansa Group announcing a suspension through 16 October. Air India also suspended flights to Riyadh, cancelling all flights until 10 October. IndiGo cancelled all flights until 9 October, and Akasa Air cancelled all flights until 10 October, including two scheduled services.
Airport operations impact
More than 275 flights were cancelled at King Khalid International Airport, representing about 40 % of scheduled arrivals and 30 % of scheduled departures. By 1500 GMT, 49.7 % of departures from the airport had been cancelled, and several dozen international flights bound for Riyadh were cancelled on Thursday evening.
Casualties and explosions
Saudi authorities reported that three people had been killed in strikes on Riyadh airport and Abha airport during the same week. Explosions, including a large blast, were heard in the capital on the day of the incident, and smoke was seen rising from a stationary aircraft at the airport.
What's still unclear
Sources differ on the number of flights cancelled, reporting both "more than 275 flights" and "49.7 % of departures" cancelled.
Analysed 7 reports from 7 sources
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