Fresh Houthi Strike on Riyadh Airport Kills Pakistani Resident, Injures Eleven

A Houthi missile struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, October 10, killing passengers and injuring hundreds. CNN Brasil reported 13 deaths and more than 300 injuries, citing footage released by Saudi Arabia the following day.

The reported death toll differs across the coverage. The Financial Times put it at 12, while Reuters reported 13. Those figures concern Saturday's attack, separate from the fatal strike that followed on Sunday.

Saturday's casualties included an Indian national, according to The Indian Express, which also reported that three Indians were in intensive care. India Today reported that the Indian embassy had assured their families of support.

On Sunday, October 11, a second strike hit the same airport. Saudi authorities said a Pakistani resident was killed and 11 people were wounded, according to Reuters.

The attacks were not confined to Riyadh. Adnkronos reported that King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in eastern Saudi Arabia, was also targeted.

By October 12, the disruption extended across Saudi aviation. News18 reported almost 1,500 flight cancellations at three major airports and stranded Umrah pilgrims. It said operations at Riyadh airport had been temporarily suspended after Saturday's attack.

Diplomatic condemnation followed. The Hindu reported that Turkiye, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed solidarity with Saudi Arabia after the second strike. Business Line reported that US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington was considering joining Saudi strikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Saudi Arabia has announced that Riyadh airport will remain shut for now, according to CNA. The supplied coverage gives no confirmed reopening date. CBS reported that the US embassy urged "extreme caution" at Saudi airports and that an American was among the 13 people reported killed.

The threat has continued beyond the weekend attacks. Bloomberg reported on October 12 that Saudi Arabia said it was dealing with new drone and missile attacks following the deadly strikes on Riyadh airport claimed by Yemen's Houthis.

The immediate issue for travellers is when Riyadh airport can reopen and flights can resume. CNA reported that it would remain shut for now, while The Independent reported further cancellations and a Saudi threat of a severe response.

A separate decision is whether Washington joins Saudi military action in Yemen. Business Line reported that Trump was considering that step, not that US participation had been decided.