Houthi Missile Strikes at Riyadh Airport Kill 18; Flights Suspended
A series of devastating Houthi missile strikes at Riyadh Airport have claimed at least 18 lives and injured more than 300 people, triggering a massive disruption of air travel across the Gulf region. The attacks, targeting King Khalid International Airport, have forced Saudi authorities to suspend operations at the kingdom's second-busiest aviation hub until at least October 17.
Devastating Attacks at King Khalid International
The most catastrophic incident occurred on October 10 at 2:27 PM, when a missile struck a domestic terminal complex. CCTV footage, verified by international agencies and released by the Saudi Media Ministry, captured the moment of impact. While initial reports from Saudi civil aviation officials stated that 13 people died in that single strike, the death toll rose as victims succumbed to their injuries in hospitals.
A second strike on October 11 targeted Terminal 4, resulting in the death of a Pakistani resident and injuring 11 others. Total fatalities from the airport attacks over the past week are currently estimated to be between 18 and 20 people.
The victims represent a diverse range of nationalities, highlighting the international nature of the tragedy. The deceased include:
- One Indian national (a 46-year-old IT professional from Hyderabad traveling for Umrah)
- Four Saudis
- Two Bangladeshis
- One Pakistani resident
- One individual each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan
Several other Indian nationals are reportedly in intensive care following the strikes.
Massive Aviation Disruptions Across the Gulf
The security crisis has sent shockwaves through the regional aviation industry. Major carriers have been forced to alter or cancel their schedules to ensure passenger safety. According to Cirium data, over 50% of Saudi departures were cancelled during peak days of the conflict.
Key airline responses include:
- Etihad Airways: Suspended flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
- Qatar Airways: Halted services to Riyadh and Dammam.
- Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia: All have suspended services to the affected areas.
- Indian Carriers (IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air): Have cancelled all Saudi-bound flights until October 17.
The disruption has left thousands of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Filipino nationals stranded within the kingdom.
Regional Tensions and Military Escalation
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating that the group targeted Saudi airports, military sites, and Aramco facilities. Saree also claimed the downing of a Saudi Wing Loong II drone during the operations.
In response, Saudi-led coalition forces have deployed interceptors near Riyadh, Khamis Mushait, and the Eastern Province. The coalition has also launched retaliatory strikes against Houthi-controlled territories in Hodeidah, Amran, and Sanaa.
The escalation follows heightened regional instability involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran. US President Donald Trump has criticized the Houthi actions, noting that the United States is considering joining the Saudi military campaign. Meanwhile, the Emir of Qatar has called for enhanced security for Gulf energy infrastructure and maritime navigation, even as the IMF lowered Middle East growth forecasts due to the ongoing conflict.
As air raid sirens continue to sound across Riyadh, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has established a 24-hour control room. They have advised all Indian citizens in the region to remain indoors during aerial alerts and to closely monitor flight statuses.