Deadly attack hits King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, a significant blast occurred at King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following an escalation in missile strikes by the Yemen-based, Iran-aligned Houthi group. The attack resulted in 12 fatalities and left more than 300 people wounded, marking the deadliest strike on the kingdom in over a decade.

The airport faced two previous attacks earlier in the week that caused damage to a Saudia aircraft. In the aftermath of Saturday’s explosion, multiple airlines, including Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Kuwait Airways, cancelled or diverted their flights. Authorities urged passengers to check their flight status, while witnesses reported seeing numerous ambulances responding to the scene and the evacuation of parts of the facility.

The Houthis have since issued a formal warning to all airlines, airport workers, and travelers to avoid Saudi airports, designating them as active theaters of operation, with the exception of facilities in Mecca and Medina. The group claimed that Saudi Arabia is responsible for failed interceptions. The escalation occurs amid intensified fighting in Yemen, where Saudi forces are backing the government against Houthi advances. U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States is considering joining Saudi retaliatory strikes against the group.