RismadarVoice Reporters
October 9, 2026
Three Saudi nationals have been killed and several others injured in two attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as renewed hostilities between the kingdom and Yemen’s Houthi movement intensify.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the casualties on Friday, October 9, saying the attacks occurred on Thursday and targeted airport facilities and an aircraft belonging to national carrier Saudia.
According to the aviation authority, the first attack struck airport infrastructure, while the second damaged a Saudia aircraft on the ground.
The authority said the attacks caused material damage and left several Saudi citizens and foreign residents with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Emergency response teams were immediately deployed, while injured victims were transported to hospitals for medical treatment.
Among those killed was Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, a pilot employed by Saudia.
The airline confirmed his death and disclosed that one of its aircraft had been damaged during the attack.
It clarified that the aircraft was on the ground and had no passengers on board when it was struck.
Saudi aviation authorities subsequently announced that airport operations had resumed and air traffic had returned to normal.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for attacks targeting the airport.
The group said it had launched missiles at Saudi aviation facilities as part of its military campaign against the kingdom.
However, Saudi authorities did not identify those responsible for the attacks in their initial statement.
The latest incident followed earlier attacks on Saudi airports, including facilities in Riyadh and Abha, which resulted in civilian casualties and injuries.
On October 7, Saudi authorities reported that three foreign nationals had been killed in attacks affecting the two airports.
The renewed violence comes amid escalating military operations between the Houthis and forces supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Saudi Arabia has backed the Yemeni government in its efforts to regain territory controlled by the Houthis, while the rebel movement has intensified attacks on Saudi infrastructure.
The latest strikes have raised concerns about aviation safety and the potential for further disruption to commercial flights across the region.
The conflict has also heightened regional security tensions, with continued military operations threatening efforts to restore stability in Yemen.
Saudi authorities have maintained that their military involvement is aimed at supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government and protecting the kingdom’s security.
The Houthis, meanwhile, have defended their attacks as a response to Saudi military operations in Yemen.
