King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been completely shut down after an explosion was heard and Yemeni armed forces allegedly attacked the site. Aviation sources reported a total halt in flight operations, with 221 flights canceled since early this morning. Ambulances and a helicopter were dispatched to transport casualties, with twelve ambulances heading to the airport. The shutdown followed an explosion heard at KKIA on October 10, 2026, which also coincided with Yemeni military forces attacking the airport and resulting in casualties.
Flight data shows that 171 flights were canceled on Friday, contributing to a total of 692 canceled flights over the last three days. Cirium analytics noted that 49.7% of outbound flights from Riyadh were canceled on Thursday. International carriers, including Singapore Airlines, IndiGo, Air India, and Philippine Airlines, have suspended or delayed flights to the Saudi capital, with Singapore Airlines postponing operations until March 28. The airport had previously advised travelers to check flight status before arriving at the facility, and flights remain disrupted through Monday. Inbound flights to Riyadh were canceled as part of the broader disruption.
Evacuations, injuries at Riyadh airport after alleged Houthi attack https://t.co/7Kmk0Cwd3i https://t.co/04G9AvTarE
A large explosion occurred at Riyadh International Airport on Saturday afternoon, October 8, 2026, reportedly caused by a Houthi missile attack. Inbound flights were canceled, and parts of the airport were evacuated. Dozens are reported injured, with some in critical condition. Saudi authorities have not confirmed the attack, and the Houthis have not claimed responsibility. The diplomatic source said, "Riyadh International Airport was targeted by a Houthi missile attack." A witness described seeing "a missile hitting near gate 401 and passengers being injured."
The next day, October 5, 2026, attacks at the airport resulted in four deaths.
The violence at Riyadh’s airports follows a pattern over recent days. On October 4, 2026, a Sudanese citizen was killed in an attack at the airport. The next day, October 5, 2026, attacks at the airport resulted in four deaths. On October 8, 2026, an explosion was heard at Riyadh International Airport. Two days later, on October 10, 2026, an explosion was heard at King Khalid International Airport leading to a full shutdown, and on the same date Yemeni military forces attacked the airport causing casualties, while flight disruptions continued at Riyadh airport.
CHAOS AT RIYADH AIRPORT A blast, injured people on the ground and ambulances rushing to the scene. Riyadh’s international airport has reportedly been hit again amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. What we know so far 🔽 https://t.co/5zWr5rFgvx
Saudi authorities have not confirmed the October 8 explosion as a Houthi missile strike, and the Houthi movement has not claimed responsibility for either the October 8 or October 10 incidents. The lack of confirmation leaves the attribution open, even as a diplomatic source asserted the October 8 blast was a Houthi missile attack. Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways were listed as neutral carriers in the reporting, while Saudi authorities, King Khalid International Airport, and the Yemeni armed forces were noted with respective stances.
Medical teams responded swiftly to the blasts. Twelve ambulances and a helicopter were dispatched to transport casualties from the airport sites. Hospital sources reported that five of the injured have been admitted to the intensive care unit. Earlier attacks had resulted in four deaths, and the most recent incidents left dozens injured, some in critical condition. The witness account of passengers being injured near gate 401 aligns with reports of casualties requiring urgent care.
🚨Just In: Saudi Arabia suspended operations at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following a Houthi missile attack. Dozens of Ambulances are rushing toward the Airport. https://t.co/jDgheMQsii
Travelers have been urged to check flight status before arriving at the airport, reflecting the volatile situation. With Singapore Airlines postponing its Riyadh flights until March 28 and other carriers suspending or delaying service, the airport’s operational outlook remains unclear. The combination of flight halts, evacuation orders, and medical evacuations underscores the impact of the repeated explosions on both aviation and public safety.
