A reported missile strike at Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday led to an evacuation, injuries and widespread flight disruptions. Several airlines have suspended services amid rising security concerns across the region.
Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, faced another security scare on Saturday, October 10, after a missile reportedly struck a passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport. According to a report by The Associated Press (AP), several people were injured in the incident, citing two regional officials familiar with the matter.
The officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly. Ambulances were reportedly seen moving towards the airport following the incident, while authorities evacuated the facility amid concerns over further attacks.
There was no immediate detailed statement from Saudi authorities confirming the full extent of the damage or the number of people injured.
Flights Diverted as Airport Operations Come to a Halt
The reported attack disrupted flight operations at one of Saudi Arabia’s busiest airports. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 indicated that aircraft travelling towards Riyadh were being diverted to other destinations.
Kuwait Airways announced cancellations after the airport was closed. Canada’s embassy also advised its citizens to avoid travelling to the airport, referring to ongoing military activity in the area.
Airport authorities issued an alert asking passengers to verify their flight status with airlines before travelling. FlightAware data showed that at least 225 flights had been cancelled at the airport over the previous 24 hours.
The disruption comes as airlines reassess their operations in Saudi airspace amid growing concerns about missile and drone attacks.
Saudi Arabia Faces a Series of Attacks
The latest incident follows several reported attacks targeting Saudi Arabia during the past week. King Khalid International Airport has reportedly been targeted repeatedly since a Saudi-led coalition began a major military offensive against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for earlier attacks, including one on Wednesday that killed a Sudanese national. Other reported incidents during the same period resulted in the deaths of two Saudi citizens, including a pilot.
However, the Houthi group had not issued an immediate statement regarding Saturday’s reported strike. Saudi Arabia’s government-run Center for International Communication had also not publicly responded to requests for comment at the time of the initial report.
A Riyadh resident told the Associated Press that at least two loud explosions could be heard in the capital.
Yemen Conflict Raises Regional Security Risks
The situation is unfolding alongside intensifying fighting between Houthi rebels and forces backed by Saudi Arabia in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition has provided air support to government forces seeking to regain territory captured by the rebels along the Red Sea.
The conflict has raised concerns about the security of shipping routes in the region. The Red Sea corridor is an important alternative for international trade amid continuing risks affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthis have previously warned of actions against Saudi shipping in response to a blockade imposed on them. Their expanding operational reach has also raised concerns about potential attacks on infrastructure beyond Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has sought support from the United States and other allies as airports, military facilities and oil infrastructure have come under threat. Officials have said that US assistance has included intelligence sharing, target identification and planning support.
International Airlines Suspend Services
Several airlines have suspended or adjusted flights to Saudi Arabia as security concerns increase. Air India, FlyDubai, Lufthansa Group and Pakistan International Airlines have been among the carriers announcing suspensions affecting Riyadh and other Saudi airports.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has expanded its guidance on Saudi airspace, warning about the Houthis’ ability to strike targets deeper inside the kingdom.
The agency has also highlighted the growing focus on aviation infrastructure and warned that missile launches, drone attacks and interception operations could increase the risk of civil aircraft being mistakenly identified.
In a separate incident on Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier reported damage to an aircraft while it was parked on the ground. No passengers were aboard at the time.
Saudi Arabia and Oman Discuss De-escalation
Amid the rising tensions, the Saudi and Omani foreign ministers held a telephone conversation on Saturday to discuss diplomatic solutions and efforts to reduce regional instability, according to the Saudi government.
Oman has previously played a mediating role in regional disputes, making diplomatic engagement an important part of efforts to prevent further escalation.
Saudi authorities have also warned the public against filming, publishing or sharing information about missile and drone interception operations and their impact sites, stating that such activity could lead to legal consequences.
The reported attack on Riyadh airport highlights the growing challenges facing civilian aviation as regional hostilities intensify. Further official information about the casualties, damage and the cause of Saturday’s incident remained pending in the initial reports.
