Riyadh Airport Struck by Missile; Hundreds of Flights Cut

Security Incident at King Khalid International Airport

A missile strike hit a passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The attack resulted in multiple injuries and forced immediate evacuations as regional security conditions deteriorated, according to official accounts. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and Iran-aligned Houthi militants.

Operational Impact on Regional Carriers

The security situation at the airport triggered widespread operational disruptions across the Middle East. Kuwait Airways confirmed the cancellation of flights KU775 and KU776 between Kuwait and Riyadh on Saturday due to the mandated closure of the facility. Other major regional operators, including Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, also implemented extensive flight cancellations, with some service suspensions extending through Monday. According to data from the flight-tracking platform AirNav Radar, the security crisis resulted in 266 total flight cancellations and 219 delays, with many incoming aircraft forced to divert to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah.

Escalating Regional Conflict

The attack on Saturday follows a violent week at the airport, which saw two prior strikes that claimed four lives, including three Saudi citizens and one Sudanese national. These events align with a recurring tactical pattern observed since 2019, when Houthi forces began targeting civilian infrastructure at airports such as Abha. The U.S. government has responded to the heightened threat environment by maintaining strict travel warnings. The U.S. Department of State currently lists Saudi Arabia at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, while designating the border region with Yemen as Level 4 due to the persistent risk of missile and drone attacks.

Regional Security and Future Operations

For Gulf regional airlines, the current environment presents a complex operational challenge, forcing rapid network adjustments to bypass affected airspace. The Houthis have reportedly warned commercial carriers to avoid Saudi airspace, declaring it a zone of military operations. While airlines are currently managing the immediate fallout of these closures, the broader industry implications remain severe, with passenger safety and network reliability under significant pressure. The situation is being monitored by international authorities, with U.S. President Donald Trump indicating that the administration is reviewing the attacks to determine a potential response.

Expected Resumption of Services

While the airport remains under security review, some carriers are planning for a phased return to service. Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways are currently expected to resume scheduled operations to Riyadh by October 13, 2026, pending further assessments of the security environment. These timelines remain subject to change based on the evolving threat landscape and directives from Saudi aviation authorities.