Hyderabad Expat Among 13 Killed in Riyadh Airport Missile Strike
A devastating Houthi ballistic missile strike at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has claimed the lives of 13 people and left more than 300 others injured. Among the victims was Mohammed Yousuf Ali, a 46-year-old Indian IT professional from Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, who was at the airport with his family for an Umrah pilgrimage.
The attack, which occurred on October 10, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the region, leading to the immediate suspension of operations at the Riyadh airport and significant disruptions to international travel.
A Family Tragedy Amidst Pilgrimage
The strike struck while the Ali family was at a check-in kiosk. While Mohammed Yousuf Ali lost his life, his family members sustained varying degrees of injuries. His wife, Sameera, and their 11-year-old daughter, Maryam, suffered minor injuries.
However, the impact on his sons was severe. 18-year-old Amaan required knee surgery due to trauma, while 16-year-old Wasey suffered the loss of three toes. An aunt of the family also sustained head injuries that necessitated surgical intervention.
Following the tragedy, Yousuf Ali's funeral rites were performed in Riyadh on October 12. A ghayabana namaz-e-janazah is scheduled to be held in his hometown of Hyderabad to honor his memory.
Regional Volatility and Houthi Claims
The missile strike is part of a heightened period of conflict, following a series of attacks launched by the Yemen-based, Iran-backed Houthi group between October 6 and October 10, 2026. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike, stating it was retaliation against Saudi operations.
The casualties from the attack represent a diverse international group, including nationals from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, Sudan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and India.
Major Flight Disruptions Across the Region
The security incident has caused a massive ripple effect in the aviation sector. Operations at King Khalid International Airport were suspended following the strike. Major Indian carriers, including Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and IndiGo, have grounded all flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17.
While some travelers have attempted to use alternative routes through Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina, these routes have also faced significant disruptions. In a move to assist those affected, Saudi authorities have announced a waiver of fines for visa overstays caused by these unavoidable flight disruptions.
Indian Government and Embassy Response
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. Additionally, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has been actively coordinating with the family and the Indian Embassy to provide support.
According to an advisory from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh issued on October 14, the status of other Indian nationals involved is as follows:
- Two nationals remain in intensive care.
- One national is in a high-dependency unit.
- Four nationals are in normal wards.
- One national has been discharged.
Amidst this volatility, Minister Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi on October 14 to meet with high-ranking UAE officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Minister Reem Al Hashimy, to discuss regional security and trade stability.
Emergency Contact Information
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has established a 24-hour control room to assist citizens. For emergencies, contact:
- Phone: +966-11-488469 or 8002471234
- WhatsApp: +966-536216082
- Email: [email protected]