Escalating missile attacks on Riyadh international airport
On October 10, 2026, a deadly missile strike by Houthi rebels targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, resulting in 12 deaths and 309 injuries. The victims included citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the United States, Egypt, Argentina, Syria, Sudan, Jordan, and Palestine. The attack, which struck a passenger terminal, caused mass flight cancellations by carriers such as Etihad, Qatar, and Kuwait Airways, with some suspensions extending through October 18.
Following the strike, the Houthis issued a direct threat against Saudi aviation infrastructure, declaring the kingdom's airspace and airports as military targets, while excluding Mecca and Medina. On October 11, reports emerged of a fourth attack for the week, with projectiles striking terminals 3 and 4, triggering fires. In response, the Saudi-led coalition reportedly bombed Sanaa's international airport.
The regional escalation has drawn international condemnation, with UN envoy Hans Grundberg calling it a dangerous threat to peace. US President Donald Trump signaled that the administration is considering a response. Meanwhile, the US embassy has restricted access to Saudi airports for its staff, and the conflict continues to destabilize the regional energy and aviation sectors.