Story perspectives

Houthi Missile Attacks Halt Riyadh Airport, 124 Flights Canceled

By Drooid · Oct 10, 2026, 10:05 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Three Saudi nationals were killed and several injured in two attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport Thursday.
Saudi civil aviation authority said air traffic resumed and injuries ranged from minor to serious, affecting multiple nationalities.
Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed the attacks used ballistic missiles.
Saudi-led coalition forces destroyed three rocket launch platforms used by the Houthis in retaliation.
Air India, Lufthansa, Pakistan International Airlines and FlyDubai suspended flights to Riyadh, canceling at least 124 flights Friday.

History

Historical Context

Since the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen began in 2015, Houthi rebels have increasingly struck Saudi infrastructure. Their September 2019 drone raid on the Abqaiq and Khurais plants cut Saudi output by about 5.7 million barrels per day—roughly 5 % of global supply—and exposed gaps in Patriot-based air defenses. The latest missile barrage on King Khalid Airport shows the same capability to target transport hubs.

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Story summary

Three Saudi nationals were killed and several injured in two attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport Thursday.
Saudi civil aviation authority said air traffic resumed and injuries ranged from minor to serious, affecting multiple nationalities.
Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed the attacks used ballistic missiles.
Saudi-led coalition forces destroyed three rocket launch platforms used by the Houthis in retaliation.
Air India, Lufthansa, Pakistan International Airlines and FlyDubai suspended flights to Riyadh, canceling at least 124 flights Friday.

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