RIYADH- A missile attack on King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killed 12 people and injured 309 others on October 10, 2026. The victims included an American citizen and nationals from several other countries, according to Saudi aviation authorities.
The attack forced airport operations to stop and caused significant property damage. The incident followed earlier attacks on Riyadh’s airport, including a strike that damaged a Saudia (SV) aircraft and killed three Saudi nationals.
Riyadh Airport Attack Kills 12 and Injures Hundreds
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed the latest casualty figures following the attack on King Khalid International Airport. The authority reported 12 deaths and 309 injuries, with several people in critical condition.
The fatalities included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals, and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Sudan. Authorities said the injured were receiving medical treatment at hospitals.
The attack also caused property damage, and officials began assessing the extent of the destruction. The airport temporarily suspended operations as emergency services responded to the incident.
The strike marked another serious escalation in attacks against Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation infrastructure. However, reports differed on responsibility for the latest attack, and the Houthis had not publicly claimed responsibility at the time of the initial reports.
Previous Attacks Targeted Riyadh Airport and Saudia Aircraft
The October 10 attack followed two attacks on King Khalid International Airport on October 8. Those incidents killed three Saudi nationals, including a Saudia captain, and damaged an aircraft belonging to the Saudi national carrier.
GACA confirmed that one attack targeted airport facilities, while another struck a Saudia aircraft. The incidents prompted renewed security concerns over the safety of passengers, airline employees and airport infrastructure.
The repeated attacks also disrupted airline schedules. Several international carriers had already suspended flights to Riyadh or adjusted their operations because of growing security concerns.
Regional airlines, including Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and flydubai, were among the carriers reported to have suspended services amid the deteriorating security situation.
Airlines Face Disruptions as Airport Operations Stop
The latest attack forced King Khalid International Airport to suspend operations while authorities assessed the damage and addressed the emergency.
Passengers faced uncertainty over departures and arrivals as airlines responded to the security situation. Travellers were advised to contact their airlines and confirm flight status before travelling to the airport.
The disruption extended beyond Saudi Arabia’s national carrier. International airlines had already been reviewing their operations as missile threats increased across the region.
The repeated attacks on a major international airport also raised concerns about the wider impact on regional air connectivity. Riyadh serves as an important gateway for business travel, tourism and international connections.
Houthis Had Previously Warned Airlines About Saudi Airspace
The Houthi movement, based in northern Yemen, has been involved in a prolonged conflict with Saudi Arabia and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.
The group seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government. The conflict has continued through periods of fighting and attempted de-escalation.
The Houthis are backed by Iran and have used missiles and drones in attacks across the region. Their escalating campaign against Saudi targets has increasingly threatened civilian infrastructure, including airports.
Before the latest incident, the group had warned airlines about operating in Saudi airspace. The threats prompted airlines and governments to review the risks associated with flights to the Kingdom.
The latest airport attack added to concerns about the vulnerability of civilian aviation facilities during the conflict.
International Governments Issue Travel Warnings
Governments have urged their citizens to exercise caution around Riyadh airport as security risks increased. The United States, the United Kingdom, France and Canada were among the countries reported to have issued warnings concerning travel to the airport or the surrounding area.
The US State Department also warned about the risk of drone and missile attacks against American interests by Iran and Iran-backed groups, including the Houthis.
The warnings highlighted the potential danger to travellers and aviation personnel amid the continuing attacks. Airlines and passengers faced the challenge of assessing whether flights could operate safely while authorities monitored the situation.
What the Attack Means for Saudi Aviation
The deaths and injuries at King Khalid International Airport underline the serious consequences of attacks on civilian aviation facilities. The airport’s temporary closure disrupted air travel and placed additional pressure on airlines managing operations in an increasingly unstable security environment.
Further developments will depend on the findings of Saudi authorities, the airport’s operational status, and any additional security measures introduced in response to the attacks.
For passengers travelling to or through Riyadh, checking directly with airlines and following official travel advisories remain essential while the security situation develops.
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