Houthis launch a series of attacks on Saudi airports, killing one and injuring several
The Iran-aligned Houthis said they struck multiple Saudi airports, including King Khalid International, killing one person and wounding nearly a dozen.
The Iran-aligned Houthi movement announced a series of assaults on Saudi civil aviation sites, beginning with an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed one person and injured nearly a dozen. The group also reported strikes on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Abha International Airport, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan and Najran Airport within the last five days.
Saudi officials responded by halting operations at the Riyadh hub, leading airlines such as Lufthansa and Air France-KLM to cancel or extend flight suspensions, while European governments warned citizens against travel to the capital. The escalation follows the breakdown of a United Nations ceasefire that had limited hostilities since 2022, marking a sharp rise in attacks on civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia have also targeted airports in Houthi-controlled areas, including Sanaa. Analysts suggest the Houthis are using airport attacks to pressure Saudi authorities and draw attention to the broader conflict.
Why it matters
The attacks disrupt major air travel hubs, affect international business, and signal a dangerous escalation in the Yemen-Saudi conflict.
How this story developed
- Oct 5 Yemeni government troops capture key positions on Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Oct 10 A blast was reported at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, prompting an evacuation, with no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
- Oct 10 A second missile strike on the same airport occurred within the week, leading to renewed flight cancellations and heightened travel warnings.
- Oct 11 Death toll rises to 12 and injuries exceed 300.
- Oct 11 He added that GCC members stand united alongside Saudi Arabia, expressing full support for all measures undertaken to protect its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents.
- Oct 11 A missile attack blamed on Houthi fighters hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing 12 people and wounding more than 300.
- Oct 11 Saudi authorities extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport.
- Oct 11 The strike on the Riyadh passenger terminal sparked a fire and prompted air-defence interception of a missile nearby. The Houthi movement said the attack responded to Saudi aggression, including a recent strike on Sanaa airport. The incident follows a larger assault the previous day that injured over 300 people and disrupted travel, prompting foreign executives to withdraw from the World Petroleum Congress. Saudi authorities assure heightened security for the upcoming World Petroleum Congress and the Future Investment Initiative.
- Oct 11 Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority says 12 people were killed and 309 injured in a Houthi attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid airport.
- Oct 11 He also named King Fahd Airport in Dammam, an Aramco‑affiliated petrol station and a refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region as targets.
- Oct 11 A second projectile hit the airport a day after the missile strike, raising the death toll to 13.
- Oct 12 A Pakistani national died in the latest projectile strike.
- Oct 12 The Omani embassy thanked Saudi authorities for the medical care provided to an injured Omani doctor.
- Oct 12 Saudi officials announced the continued closure of King Khalid International Airport pending safety inspections.
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