Hyderabad IT Pro Killed in Riyadh Airport Missile Attack
A tragic missile attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has claimed the life of a 46-year-old IT professional from Hyderabad, leaving his family devastated and hundreds injured.
Mohammed Yousuf Ali, a resident of Mehdipatnam, was at the terminal with his wife, Sameera, and three children when a Houthi projectile struck the premises at approximately 3 p.m. local time on October 10, 2026. The family was preparing to depart for the Umrah pilgrimage when the strike occurred.
Family Devastated by Tragedy
The attack has left the Ali family struggling with severe physical and emotional trauma. While Mohammed Yousuf Ali was killed, his sons sustained significant injuries:
- Aman (18): Currently receiving medical attention for serious injuries.
- Wasi (16): Suffered traumatic injuries, including the loss of three toes.
- Maryam (11): Sustained minor injuries alongside her mother.
Reports indicate that one of the sons is also undergoing knee surgery. Additionally, an aunt of the family was caught in the blast and suffered head wounds.
Casualties and Regional Impact
The missile strike resulted in 13 fatalities, including Saudi nationals and citizens from Bangladesh and the United States. More than 300 people were injured in the chaos. Among the wounded are at least 11 Indian nationals, with three individuals remaining in intensive or high-dependency care as of October 16.
India's Diplomatic Response
Addressing the United Nations Security Council on October 16, India’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized that the safety of nearly 10 million Indian expatriates in the GCC is a core national interest. He condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping.
India and Liberia have launched a “Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers,” a coalition that now comprises 23 members.
Travel Advisory and Flight Disruptions
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued an urgent advisory for its citizens. Travelers are urged to stay indoors during any reported aerial threats and avoid filming or sharing content related to the security incidents. For those needing urgent departures, transit through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar is recommended.
In a relief measure for those caught in the disruption, authorities have announced that overstay fines for stranded travelers have been waived.
Airlines Suspend Services
Flight operations across the region remain heavily impacted. Major carriers have announced the following service suspensions:
- Air India and Air India Express: Flights suspended until October 20.
- IndiGo: Services suspended until October 24.
While Riyadh airport remains closed, travelers should expect ongoing disruptions at Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina airports.