Houthi Missile Strike Hits Saudia Airbus at Riyadh Airport Amid Escalating Attacks

RIYADH/ SANAA (Terror Monitor) — A ballistic missile attack at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital has severely damaged an Airbus aircraft operated by Saudi flag carrier Saudia, according to preliminary reports. The incident came amid a fresh wave of missile attacks targeting the kingdom, with the airport reportedly struck for a second time within 24 hours.

Smoke was seen rising from an aircraft at Riyadh airport on Thursday morning, Reuters reported, citing a witness and three people familiar with the matter. The aircraft was identified as a Saudia Airbus, although the full extent of the damage and the circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately clear.

It was also unclear whether the aircraft was struck directly by a missile or damaged by falling debris after an interception. Saudi authorities had not immediately issued a detailed statement confirming the circumstances of the latest incident.

Three Killed and 36 Injured in Earlier Airport Attacks

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation previously reported that missile attacks targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed three people and injured 36 others.

Two women from Morocco and Algeria were killed in the attack at Abha airport, while a Sudanese national was killed at Riyadh airport. The injured included Saudi, Egyptian and Pakistani nationals, according to reports on the incidents.

The attacks caused damage to airport facilities and raised concerns about the safety of civilian aviation as the conflict involving Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia intensified.

Saudi Coalition Says Three Ballistic Missiles Intercepted

Colonel Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government, said Saudi air defenses had intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched toward the kingdom.

According to al-Maliki, one missile was heading toward the southern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait, while two others were directed toward Riyadh. Saudi air defenses destroyed all three missiles before they reached their intended targets, he said.

Saudi Civil Defense also reported that debris from the destruction of a ballistic missile over Riyadh damaged a children’s nursery and a medical complex. Authorities did not immediately provide further details about the extent of the damage.

Air India and Lufthansa Suspend Flights to Riyadh

The security situation prompted international airlines to suspend or cancel flights to the Saudi capital.

Reuters reported that Lufthansa Group had suspended flights to Riyadh until October 16 because of the prevailing situation in the Middle East. Air India separately announced the cancellation of all its flights to Riyadh until October 10.

The suspensions disrupted travel plans for passengers, while airlines reviewed their operations in light of the security risks.

Diplomats and Schools Take Precautionary Measures

Diplomats and residents in Riyadh reported hearing several explosions across the city on Thursday, according to Agence France-Presse.

Diplomatic personnel were instructed to remain inside their buildings following the explosions. Some international schools also introduced precautionary measures, with residents telling AFP that children at at least one school were moved to a basement for safety.

The reports came amid heightened concerns over the possibility of further attacks on the Saudi capital and its civilian infrastructure.

Regional Security Concerns Grow

The latest incident comes as attacks involving the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia raise renewed concerns about regional security and civilian aviation.

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks against Saudi targets, while Saudi-led forces have reported intercepting missiles aimed at the kingdom. The latest damage to a Saudia aircraft and the suspension of international flights underscore the potential impact of the escalating hostilities on commercial air travel.

Saudi authorities had not issued a comprehensive statement confirming the details of the latest reported strike on the aircraft at the time of publication. The precise circumstances of the incident and the full extent of the damage remained unclear.