Houthis Claim Riyadh Airport Attack as Major Airlines Suspend Flights

Several international airlines have suspended flights to Riyadh after Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed a ballistic missile attack on King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, October 8.

Saudi authorities had not confirmed the claimed direct strike in the reports reviewed. However, witnesses reported explosions and smoke at the airport as flight disruptions spread. (news.sky.com⁠)

Lufthansa Group said its airlines would suspend services to the Saudi capital through October 16, citing developments in the Middle East. Air India and Akasa Air cancelled flights until October 10, while IndiGo announced cancellations until October 9, according to Reuters. (reuters.com⁠)

The Associated Press reported that more than 275 flights were cancelled at King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, citing FlightAware. The disruption affected both arrivals and departures, leaving passengers facing changes to their travel plans. (abcnews.com⁠)

The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted missiles heading towards Riyadh. Reports indicated that debris struck a medical facility and a kindergarten. These interception reports do not independently establish the Houthis’ claim that their missile directly hit the airport. (ft.com⁠)

The latest incident follows earlier attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports that Saudi officials said killed three people and injured others. Those casualties relate to the earlier incidents, rather than a confirmed death toll from Thursday’s claimed strike. (apnews.com⁠)

King Khalid International Airport issued a travel alert as cancellations and delays mounted. Passengers travelling to or through Riyadh should check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport, as suspension dates and operating schedules may change. (al-monitor.com⁠)