RIYADH – Passengers at Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport witnessed chaos after a reported missile attack left a dozen dead, with some other passengers in critical condition, as airlines suspend flights and foreign embassies warn their citizens to stay away.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authorities confimed 12 casualties, saying 309 others were injured, with some victims suffering critical injuries. The death toll included four Saudi nationals and two Bangladeshi citizens, while the remaining victims were from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan, with one fatality reported from each country, officials said.
Scores of ambulances were seen rushing towards the airport as travellers were evacuated from parts of the facility, according to an eyewitness and people briefed on the incident. The cause of Saturday’s blast was not immediately confirmed.
—❗️🇸🇦/🇾🇪 Riyadh Airport is going into total lockdown. Saudi Arabia https://t.co/pSLhXUKOEu
— Daniella Modos – Cutter -SEN (@DmodosCutter) October 10, 2026
The alarming development comes days after a series of attacks on the Saudi capital’s airport left people dead and injured, damaged a Saudi airline aircraft and disrupted commercial aviation.
Smoke seen Rising from Riyadh Airport after Houthi ballistic missiles strikes https://t.co/7WbZLaaBat
— Nightmare (@Nightshade00077) October 10, 2026
The reported strike comes just days after another attack on King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, when four people, including a pilot, were killed and dozens more were injured, according to the information provided.
The situation has also disrupted air travel, with airlines from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates suspending flights to Riyadh International Airport.
Amid the uncertainty, airport authorities have advised passengers to contact their airlines before setting out, raising concerns for travellers who may face sudden cancellations or changes to their journeys.
Canadian, German and Spanish embassies in Saudi Arabia have also urged their citizens to stay away from Riyadh International Airport following reports of the attack.
The reported missile strike comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the Saudi capital, which is due to host a major international oil congress starting tomorrow.
With international visitors expected in Riyadh, the reported attack has added another layer of concern over security and the potential impact on travel and major events.
For passengers, the immediate concern is whether flights will operate as scheduled and whether it is safe to approach the airport. For authorities, the priority is responding to the reported casualties and addressing growing security concerns.
The circumstances surrounding the latest reported attack, including the full extent of the damage, remain unclear based on the information available.
The situation sparked major disruption to air traffic, with flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 showing incoming flights being diverted or cancelled. At one point, a helicopter was reportedly seen hovering over the airport.
Airport authorities urged passengers to contact their airlines directly and check flight schedules before leaving for the facility. Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways cancelled multiple flights connecting Riyadh with their respective hubs, with some cancellations extending into Monday. Other airlines had also suspended or curtailed services following the earlier attacks.
Riyadh Airport Flights grounded as Houthis claim hitting Saudi Capital
The escalating confrontation is linked to renewed fighting in Yemen, where Saudi-backed government forces have launched an offensive against the Houthis. The group has warned commercial airlines to avoid Saudi airspace as hostilities intensify.
The airport disruption comes at a critical time for Riyadh, which is preparing to host major international energy and investment gatherings. Organisers said the events would proceed as scheduled despite the security concerns, while assuring participants that measures were being taken to protect attendees and facilitate travel.
