Riyadh Airport Faces Fresh Attack Reports After Houthi Strikes Kill Three

The attacks targeted Saudi airports as fighting involving Yemen's Houthis widened into Saudi Arabia. NDTV reported that the Iran-backed fighters had repeatedly attacked Saudi targets amid an expanding conflict with Yemen's Saudi-backed government.

On October 8, Mehr News reported that Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority had confirmed attacks on Abha and King Khalid airports. Its initial account put the toll at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at one person killed and eight wounded.

Reporting on October 8 gave differing accounts of the casualties and timing. Business Line reported three deaths and 36 injuries following attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports on Wednesday, with further explosions heard in Riyadh on Thursday. Later official accounts placed three deaths at Riyadh airport in Thursday's attacks.

Damage also extended beyond the airport. On October 8, Arab News reported Saudi Civil Defense's statement that debris from an intercepted Houthi ballistic missile damaged a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex in Riyadh.

By October 9, Saudi authorities said three Saudi citizens, including an airline pilot, had been killed at King Khalid International Airport, according to Sky News. CNBC reported that officials described two attacks on the airport on Thursday.

Airline disruption followed. Indian Express reported on October 9 that Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air had halted Riyadh flights after a strike damaged a plane. The Hindu reported that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh had advised nationals to remain vigilant and stay indoors as necessary.

The airport reopened on October 9, according to Al Jazeera. Saudi Arabia and its allied forces in Yemen also pledged a firm response to Houthi attacks targeting civilians, Deutsche Welle reported.

Fresh reports on October 10 cast doubt on the airport's return to normal operations. Times Now, citing two regional officials quoted by The Associated Press, reported another attack on King Khalid International Airport, an evacuation and the suspension of air traffic.

Middle East Eye separately reported four air strikes on Sanaa airport and a large blast heard at Riyadh airport, citing Houthi media and noting that Saudi authorities had not commented. These latest reports do not establish a new casualty toll or confirm when flights can resume.

The immediate questions are whether Saudi authorities confirm another strike and when airport operations and suspended airline services resume. Riyadh airport has asked passengers to check with their airlines before traveling, according to Le Monde. The coalition's promised response also remains unresolved in the supplied coverage.