Houthi Attacks Disrupt Riyadh Flights as India Issues Safety Advisory

The disruption followed Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including a missile reportedly fired towards Riyadh International Airport, according to The Hindu.

Business Line reported that three people were killed and 36 injured following attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports on Wednesday, October 7. Those figures cover the attacks on both airports, not Riyadh alone.

An Air India flight from Delhi to Riyadh returned in response to the missile threat. By October 8, The Hindu was reporting cancellations and diversions affecting Air India and IndiGo services to Riyadh.

The threat was not confined to Wednesday. Business Line reported that several explosions were heard in Riyadh on Thursday, October 8. News18 reported that the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis said it had intercepted two missiles launched towards Riyadh.

India's response also extended beyond air travel. On October 8, Indian Express reported that the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia had issued an advisory to stay indoors. Times of India reported that citizens were also urged to remain alert.

Other airlines changed their operations too. India Today reported Air India Express cancellations, while Middle East Eye reported that Lufthansa Group and Air India said on Thursday they would suspend flights to Riyadh.

Air India and Air India Express have suspended all Riyadh flights until October 10. Akasa Air has also cancelled flights to the Saudi capital.

The coverage describes both attacks and missile interceptions. The coalition's account of intercepting two missiles, reported by News18, does not establish that the wider threat has ended. The embassy's advice to remain alert and stay indoors remains the central safety message for Indian nationals in the supplied reports.

The next question for passengers is whether the Riyadh suspensions end on October 10 or are extended. The supplied coverage does not confirm a restart date beyond that suspension period, or say when the other affected carriers will resume normal services.

Further airline announcements and any changes to the Indian embassy's advisory will indicate whether travel and local safety conditions have improved.