Flights to Riyadh cancelled after fresh airport attack
New explosions and a temporary closure of King Khalid International Airport disrupt air traffic.
Follow-up to: Attacks on Saudi airports kill three people Wednesday, 7 October 2026, 22:37
Airlines are cancelling or rerouting flights to Riyadh after explosions were again reported near the airport on Thursday. The Houthis say they were responsible, but no independent evidence has been provided for that claim.
Several explosions were heard in Riyadh on Thursday, including, according to witnesses, a large explosion near King Khalid International Airport. Air traffic was interrupted and passengers were instructed to leave the airport building, according to Associated Press. It was initially unclear exactly how many flights had been affected.
The Houthi movement in Yemen said it had carried out the attack. The movement said a ballistic missile had caused damage, but did not substantiate this with evidence. A spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition said two missiles heading towards Riyadh and a third heading towards Khamis Mushait had been intercepted and destroyed.
The Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm the Houthi claim. Civil defence did report that debris from an interception had caused damage to a nursery and a medical complex. No new casualties were reported in connection with this.
Airlines subsequently adjusted their flights. Air India Express and IndiGo temporarily suspended flights to and from Riyadh. Philippine Airlines cancelled a return flight between Manila and Riyadh. Other airlines also reported delays, rebookings or cancellations. Travellers were advised to check directly with their airline and the airport whether their flight was departing.
The new disruption follows attacks on the airports of Riyadh and Abha on Wednesday. Saudi officials then reported three deaths and dozens of injuries. The Houthis also said they were involved in those attacks. The claims made by both sides cannot be fully independently verified.
The consequences extend beyond passenger transport. Saudi Arabia lies on a major air route between Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The repeated attacks are also increasing uncertainty around oil installations and shipping links in the region. As long as the security situation remains unstable, airlines may continue to reroute or temporarily cancel flights.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Explosions were reported at King Khalid International Airport on Thursday.
- The Houthis claimed the attack without providing independent evidence.
- The Saudi coalition said it had intercepted missiles.
- Several airlines adjusted their schedules.
Left
Arguments The priority should be protecting civilians and de-escalation. From this perspective, new military action in Yemen increases the risk of further attacks and regional instability.
Values International law, civilian protection and diplomacy.
Consequences Military escalation could cause more casualties and refugees, as well as disruption to energy and transport chains.
Centre
Arguments States may defend their populations and infrastructure, but decisions should be based on verifiable information and be proportionate. Temporary flight restrictions may be defensible on security grounds.
Values Security, proportionality and institutional oversight.
Consequences Cautious policy can save lives, but prolonged restrictions affect travellers, trade and regional economies.
Right
Arguments Attacks on civilian infrastructure call for deterrence and a firm response. Without credible costs for armed groups, airports and energy facilities will remain vulnerable.
Values National security, order and the responsibility of armed actors.
Consequences A tough response may reduce attacks, but it could also lead to broader retaliation and a larger conflict.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s core is based on AP reporting and public information about flight disruptions. Claims about responsibility and damage are explicitly attributed and not presented as established fact.
- confirmed Explosions were heard at or near King Khalid International Airport on Thursday. — Reported by AP based on witnesses and airport information. source
- confirmed The Houthis claimed responsibility for the new attack. — AP reports the claim, but also that no evidence was provided for it. source
- confirmed Several airlines cancelled or changed flights to Riyadh. — The National describes delays and cancellations; individual airlines announced changes. source
- confirmed Saudi Arabia reported three deaths after earlier attacks. — AP refers to statements by Saudi officials. source
Editor's note
The explosions, flight disruptions and statements by the Houthis and the Saudi coalition were reported by public sources. Responsibility for the attack and the extent of the damage have not been independently established.Sources
- Explosions rock Riyadh and its airport as tensions escalate — Associated Press
- Riyadh airport flights delayed and cancelled after Houthi attacks — The National
The story so far
- Wednesday, 7 October 2026, 22:37 Attacks on Saudi airports kill three people
- Wednesday, 7 October 2026, 23:35 Syrian troops may head to Yemen for Saudi war
- Thursday, 8 October 2026, 18:25 Flights to Riyadh cancelled after fresh airport attack (this article)
More on this in Dutch media
- AD — „riyad saudi-arabië”
- de Volkskrant — „riyad saudi-arabië”
- RTL Nieuws — „riyad saudi-arabië”