Air travel to and from Riyadh was heavily disrupted Thursday, Oct. 8, after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed it had targeted King Khalid International Airport (RUH) with a ballistic missile. Saudi authorities have not independently confirmed the latest claim; however, airlines have suspended or cancelled services, and flight-tracking data showed widespread delays and cancellations.
Flights Halted as Explosions Reported
Several explosions were heard in Riyadh on Thursday, including a large blast at King Khalid International Airport (RUH), according to witnesses cited by The Associated Press. Outgoing flights were halted, and passengers were reportedly instructed to evacuate the airport, while fire and ambulance crews were deployed.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the incident, saying they had targeted King Khalid International Airport (RUH) with a ballistic missile. Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the claim. The Saudi-led coalition, however, said it had intercepted two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh. Reuters reported that a Saudia Airlines aircraft parked at the airport was heavily damaged after catching fire. Three people briefed on the incident said no passengers were believed to have been aboard the aircraft, although they could not rule out injuries. Saudi government authorities and Saudia did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
Airlines Suspend Riyadh Services
The latest incident prompted several airlines to suspend or cancel flights to the Saudi capital. Lufthansa Group said its airlines would suspend flights to Riyadh through Oct. 16, citing “current developments in the Middle East”. IndiGo cancelled flights to and from Riyadh through Oct. 9, while Air India and Air India Express suspended services through Oct. 10.
Air India said a Delhi-Riyadh flight returned to the Indian capital after the developing situation affected the route.
“The aircraft returned in the best interest of the safety of passengers and crew,” the airline said.
Akasa Air also cancelled two scheduled flights between Kochi and Riyadh on Thursday, while other international carriers adjusted their operations as the security situation developed.
Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium showed that 169 of 378 scheduled departures from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) were cancelled or listed as “no fly”, about 45% of planned departures. Arrivals were also affected, with 124 of 369 scheduled flights cancelled or not operating, according to the data.
Reuters reported separately that nearly half of Riyadh departures had been cancelled by 3 p.m. GMT, while additional cancellations were expected across Saudi airports on Friday.
Attack Follows Deadly Strikes Earlier This Week
Thursday’s disruption followed attacks on King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and Abha International Airport (AHB) earlier this week. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said Wednesday that three people had been killed and 36 injured in the attacks. The latest incident adds to growing concerns about how the escalating conflict is affecting commercial aviation in the region.
The Houthis have continued to threaten Saudi infrastructure, including airports and energy facilities, as fighting in Yemen intensifies. The group also warned airlines not to operate in Saudi airspace, according to the AP.
With flight schedules changing rapidly, passengers travelling to or from Riyadh should confirm their status with their airline before leaving for the airport. Follow Travel Radar for the latest updates.
