Houthi attacks hit Saudi airports, disrupting Riyadh flights
Houthi attacks on Abha and King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia killed three people and injured 36, according to Saudi authorities. Operations resumed after earlier attacks but were suspended again after a later strike, with flights diverted.
By DoomRadar · Published on DoomRadar . Updated .
Event date: Attacks on Abha and King Khalid international airports occurred on October 6, 7 and 8, 2026; a further attack on Riyadh airport was reported on October 10. [1][3][2]
What happened
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said attacks on Abha and King Khalid international airports on October 6 and 7 killed three people and injured 36. The incidents formed part of a reported series of Houthi strikes against Saudi civilian facilities. [1]
References for this detail (1)
- Arab News | Omani FM condemns attacks on Saudi airports in phone call with Prince Faisalarabnews.com · Article published: Oct 10, 2026, 2:01 PM UTC
King Khalid International Airport was targeted again on October 8 in two attacks, according to the Saudi Press Agency account cited by GCC reporting. One struck airport facilities and another struck a Saudia aircraft. [1][3]
References for this detail (2)
- Arab News | Omani FM condemns attacks on Saudi airports in phone call with Prince Faisalarabnews.com · Article published: Oct 10, 2026, 2:01 PM UTC
- GCC chief condemns attack on Riyadh airport, backs Saudi actionstradearabia.com · Recorded source date: Oct 10, 2026, 8:01 PM UTC
The October 8 attacks damaged airport facilities and a Saudia aircraft, while Saudi reporting said airport operations subsequently resumed. Emergency response teams and other authorities acted under established emergency plans. [1][3]
References for this detail (2)
- Arab News | Omani FM condemns attacks on Saudi airports in phone call with Prince Faisalarabnews.com · Article published: Oct 10, 2026, 2:01 PM UTC
- GCC chief condemns attack on Riyadh airport, backs Saudi actionstradearabia.com · Recorded source date: Oct 10, 2026, 8:01 PM UTC
A later account said Riyadh airport reopened on October 9 after earlier attacks, then suspended operations again following an October 10 attack that caused multiple injuries and diverted flights. The excerpts do not establish the full duration of that suspension. [2]
References for this detail (1)
- Houthi attacks on Saudi airports: Current state & developmentsonenewspage.com · Recorded source date: Oct 11, 2026, 12:17 AM UTC
Oman’s foreign minister condemned the attacks during a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, rejecting attacks on civilian infrastructure and emphasizing de-escalation efforts. The GCC secretary-general also condemned the Riyadh airport attack and backed Saudi measures. [1][3]
References for this detail (2)
- Arab News | Omani FM condemns attacks on Saudi airports in phone call with Prince Faisalarabnews.com · Article published: Oct 10, 2026, 2:01 PM UTC
- GCC chief condemns attack on Riyadh airport, backs Saudi actionstradearabia.com · Recorded source date: Oct 10, 2026, 8:01 PM UTC
Context from the sources
The attacks affected both Abha airport and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, rather than representing a single reported strike at one facility. Saudi authorities attributed the casualties and operational effects to the airport attacks. [1][2]
Explore the sources and reporting timeline
3 source links · 3 domains
These counts describe the references, not independent confirmations. Different outlets can repeat the same original report.
Source timeline
Oldest to newest among the available source dates, not a chronology of the incident. Article publication dates come from the source; other recorded dates may reflect when a link was found.
- [1] Arab News | Omani FM condemns attacks on Saudi airports in phone call with Prince Faisalarabnews.comReferenced for: detail 1, detail 2, detail 3, detail 5
- [3] GCC chief condemns attack on Riyadh airport, backs Saudi actionstradearabia.comReferenced for: detail 2, detail 3, detail 5
- [2] Houthi attacks on Saudi airports: Current state & developmentsonenewspage.comReferenced for: detail 4
What this could mean for you
Flights using Riyadh airport may be diverted, delayed or temporarily cancelled.
An attack can damage airport facilities or trigger emergency procedures that suspend operations.
Reported basis: [1][2] · The possible effect is interpretation.
Depends on: Further attacks or renewed operational suspensions occur.
Possible time frame: days, if those conditions hold.
Travellers and airport workers could face heightened exposure to attacks on civilian aviation facilities.
Repeated strikes have targeted airport facilities and a passenger aircraft, according to the cited accounts.
Reported basis: [1][3] · The possible effect is interpretation.
Depends on: The reported pattern of airport attacks continues.
Possible consequences, not a forecast. Their relevance depends on your location and the conditions above.
For your country
Choose a country to check how this event could affect you.
What changes the outlook
Risk increases if…
Another attack causes a fresh suspension or diverts flights from King Khalid International Airport.
Damage to airport facilities or aircraft prevents the rapid resumption of operations.
Pressure eases if…
Airport operations remain open without further attacks.
Emergency response and repair measures allow services to resume after incidents.
Still unclear
The excerpts do not establish how long the latest suspension of Riyadh airport operations lasted.
The full number of people injured in the October 10 attack is not specified.
Market implications
Market impact
Sources (3)
References for the reported details. Separate links do not necessarily mean independent confirmation.
Available excerpt
The two ministers discussed the latest regional developments and highlighted de-escalation efforts RIYADH: Oman’s foreign minister on Saturday condemned the recent Houthi attacks on two…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
Available excerpt
Yemen-based Houthi rebels have carried out a series of strikes targeting airports in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, causing deaths, injuries, flight…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
Available excerpt
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi has expressed grave denunciation and unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack perpetrated by the Houthi militia targeting King…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
First tracked by DoomRadar: . AI-assisted analysis · . Based on linked headlines and available excerpts. Methodology · Report an error.