Riyadh's King Khalid Airport hit by rocket, flights halted and casualties reported

Attack and evacuation

Explosions were heard at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 October 2026 and a rocket hit the passenger terminal. The airport was evacuated after the rocket struck gate 401 of the domestic terminal, and all flight traffic to and from the airport was halted.

Witnesses reported that more than twelve ambulances rushed to the airport following the incident, and an unknown number of people were injured when the rocket struck the terminal.

Flight cancellations

Flight data shows at least 225 flights were cancelled at King Khalid International Airport in the 24 hours after the attack. Kuwait Airways cancelled all flights to and from Riyadh, and the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh advised American citizens to avoid the airport and its surroundings.

Casualties

Dozens were reported injured, including five seriously, with at least five Saudi nationals in intensive care. One source said three Saudi citizens, including a pilot, were killed in two Houthi attacks on Saudi airports the previous Friday.

Another source listed six deaths in attacks on Saudi airports that week, including three Saudi civilians killed in two attacks on King Khalid International Airport.

Official responses

The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority temporarily suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport to assess damage and safety. The Saudi‑led coalition announced a large‑scale operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen, stating it had destroyed 136 Houthi military targets and provides 24‑hour air support to Yemeni forces.

The European Aviation Safety Agency tightened its guidelines for Saudi airspace, noting the Houthi ability to strike deeper targets, while the European Union Aviation Safety Agency expanded guidance on operating in Saudi airspace.