Three Killed in Houthi-Claimed Attacks on Riyadh Airport, Saudi Arabia Says

Three Saudi citizens, including an airline captain, have been killed in attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a Saudia Airlines aircraft, Saudi authorities have confirmed.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the deaths on Friday, October 9, following two attacks on Thursday. Several other people of different nationalities were also injured, with the severity of their injuries ranging from minor to serious.

According to the aviation authority, the first attack targeted airport facilities, while the second struck an aircraft belonging to Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia. The airline confirmed that the plane was damaged while on the ground and had no passengers aboard at the time.

Among those killed was Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, whose death was confirmed by Saudia Group. The airline expressed condolences following the loss of its employee.

Although Saudi authorities did not identify those responsible in their initial statement, Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for targeting the airport with a ballistic missile. The group has also announced attacks against other Saudi locations amid the escalating conflict.

The strikes represent a significant escalation in the latest round of fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-aligned Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and other parts of the country. Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government and has joined allied forces in a renewed military offensive against the rebels.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis said it had destroyed three rocket-launch platforms used by the group. The developments have heightened concerns about further retaliation and the potential expansion of the conflict across the region.

The attacks also disrupted air travel. Hundreds of flights to and from Riyadh were cancelled on Thursday, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. Air India suspended its operations through Saturday, while Lufthansa Group announced a suspension of flights to Riyadh through October 16. Pakistan International Airlines also halted services to the Saudi capital, citing the evolving security situation.

Saudi authorities and the airline later indicated that airport operations had returned to normal by Thursday evening, although airlines continued to review their services in response to the security risks.

The latest deaths follow other attacks on Saudi airports earlier in the week, including strikes affecting Riyadh and Abha. The repeated targeting of civilian aviation facilities has raised fresh concerns about the safety of passengers, airport workers and international air routes.

The renewed hostilities are unfolding amid broader regional tensions linked to the war involving Iran and the widening confrontation across the Middle East. Further attacks or retaliatory operations could create additional disruption to air travel, regional security and energy markets.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further military action as Saudi Arabia and its allies seek to counter Houthi attacks and the rebel movement continues to threaten targets inside the kingdom.