The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation announced on Saturday, October 10, 2026, that it had suspended operational activities at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This decision was made after the airport was subjected to an attack that resulted in several injuries. According to the authority, the attack occurred in the late afternoon, and an assessment of the damage is currently underway to ensure the safety of airport facilities.
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia stated that it was aware of the attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and urged American citizens to avoid the airport. The embassy's statement was posted on the social media platform X. Similarly, the Canadian, German, and Spanish embassies in Saudi Arabia advised their citizens to stay away from the airport following reports of the attack.
A diplomatic source revealed that the Houthi group in Yemen launched a missile that hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This information was reported by the French news agency, AFP. The Houthi group has been involved in a conflict with Saudi Arabia and has carried out several attacks on Saudi targets in recent times.
Medical sources reported that at least five people are receiving intensive care treatment after being injured in the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The sources also stated that dozens of people, mostly Saudis, were injured, and some were transported to the hospital by helicopter.
The attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is part of a recent escalation of violence in the region. Saudi Arabia has experienced a series of unprecedented attacks since the conflict in the Middle East began in February. The Houthi group has intensified its attacks on Saudi targets, including infrastructure and oil facilities.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing for several years, with a brief period of calm. However, the situation has escalated recently, with both sides engaging in increased military activities. The international community has expressed concern over the situation, with several countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, advising their citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Saudi Arabia.
The Houthi group has also issued a warning to airlines, advising them to avoid using Saudi airspace. This warning was reiterated on Thursday, and it is unclear how this will affect flight operations in the region. The situation remains volatile, and further developments are expected in the coming days.
Key points
- The attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resulted in several injuries and prompted the suspension of operational activities at the airport.
- The Houthi group in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack, which is part of a recent escalation of violence in the region.
- Several countries, including the US, Canada, and Germany, have advised their citizens to avoid King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh due to safety concerns.
