Attack on airport in Saudi capital, Riyadh, leaves several injured

[Multiple Injuries at King Khalid International Airport After New Attack in Riyadh]

Operations suspended at King Khalid International Airport after another attack this week, Civil Aviation Authority says.

Published On 10 Oct 202610 Oct 2026

The latest attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has resulted in several injuries, according to the Saudis’ Civil Aviation Authority.

Operations at the airport in Riyadh were temporarily suspended after the Saturday‑afternoon assault, said the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Officials indicated they are assessing the extent of the damage and determining the precise number of victims.

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On Thursday, at least three Saudi citizens—including a pilot—were killed in Houthi attacks at the airport, according to GACA.

Those attacks were carried out by Yemen’s Houthi group, which is engaged in conflict with Riyadh and the Saudi‑backed Yemeni government in Aden.

Al Jazeera reporter Youssef Mawry reported from Yemen on Saturday that the Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility for the most recent strike.

However, the Iran‑backed faction has warned aviation operators to steer clear of Saudi airspace, declaring that any aircraft flying there—except over the holy cities of Mecca and Medina—is now a target.

Earlier on Saturday, King Khalid Airport called on travellers to reach out to their carriers directly and verify flight statuses before proceeding to the terminal ahead of reported air‑traffic disruptions. The airport did not initially disclose the reason for the disruptions.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly directed domestic travelers to consular authorities if their itineraries were affected by the incident.

President Donald Trump was interviewed by reporters outside the White House regarding potential U.S. involvement in a coalition strike against the Houthis after the latest assault.

“We may. We’re going to look at it. We just learned about the recent attack, so we’ll decide. We act very quickly,” he stated.

A ‘security situation’

Concurrently, embassies in Riyadh—including those representing the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada—initiated social‑media advisories to their nationals residing in the city.

The U.S. missions said it was aware of the King Khalid International Airport attacks and “strongly advises” all Americans to avoid the airport and surrounding zones.

The British and Irish diplomatic posts warned their nationals of a serious incident at the airport. Canada’s delegation urged citizens in Riyadh to refrain from any travel to the terminal, emphasizing ongoing military activity.

Japanese diplomats expressly condemn Houthi aggression against airports and other civilian structures in Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait Airways cancelled services because King Khalid Airport had shut down due to a heightened security environment.

According to Yemen’s Houthi spokesperson on Thursday, the Yemeni militia fired a ballistic missile aimed at King Khalid Airport, asserting that the projectile hit its intended target, caused damage and temporarily crippled air traffic.

Shortly before, earlier Houthi strikes on Abha and the King Khalid airport had claimed three civilian lives and left thirty‑six people injured.

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