Houthi Missile Strikes Hit Saudi Airports, Killing Three
A series of missile and drone attacks launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels against major Saudi Arabian airports has left three civilians dead and dozens wounded, triggering widespread disruption to regional travel and a sharp rise in energy prices.
The strikes, which occurred on October 6 and 7, 2026, targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport in the southwest of the Kingdom. The attacks have sent shockwaves through the region, impacting aviation schedules and driving up fuel costs in the UAE.
Casualties and Airport Damage
The attacks resulted in the deaths of three civilians: a Moroccan woman, an Algerian woman, and a Sudanese man. Beyond the fatalities, at least 36 people sustained injuries, with Saudi civil aviation authorities reporting that wounds ranged from minor to critical.
The victims included a diverse group of expatriates from several nations, including:
- Bangladesh
- The Philippines
- Egypt
- Pakistan
In addition to the human toll, both King Khalid and Abha airports sustained significant property damage. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility, stating that ballistic missiles and drones were deployed against the two airports and the King Khalid Air Base at Khamis Mushait.
Military Escalation and Maritime Volatility
The Saudi-led coalition responded to the strikes by intercepting a ballistic missile north of Riyadh and destroying a Houthi launch platform in Sanaa. The coalition subsequently launched 82 strikes against Houthi targets across Saada, Hodeidah, Al-Jawf, and Marib.
The conflict has also spilled into maritime corridors. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed that a tanker located approximately 94 km off the coast of Qatar was struck by multiple projectiles. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, with the IRGC threatening further closures despite claims from Iran and Oman regarding the establishment of safe transit routes.
Major Flight Cancellations and Travel Disruptions
The security situation has forced several international carriers to alter or cancel their flight schedules to and from the region. Major disruptions include:
- Philippine Airlines: Cancelled all services to Riyadh.
- Air France: Suspended flights to both Dubai and Riyadh through October 24.
- Cathay Pacific: Cancelled passenger flights to these cities, with the suspension lasting until January 31, 2027.
Impact on Energy Markets and UAE Fuel Prices
The instability has caused immediate volatility in global energy markets. By the morning of October 8, Brent crude prices jumped 2.63% to $102.84 per barrel.
In the UAE, the surge in energy costs has been reflected at the pump. October prices for fuel saw significant increases:
- Special 95: Reached Dh4.28 (an increase of up to 11.6%).
- Super 98: Hit Dh4.40 (an increase of up to 16.6%).
As geopolitical discussions regarding a potential "Mecca Defence Alliance" involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan emerge, regional stock markets in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have all seen declines.