Smoke seen at Riyadh airport as missile tensions disrupt flights
Bharatmorning.com – Smoke seen at Riyadh airport prompted flight cancellations and an emergency response as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement escalated. The disruption at King Khalid International Airport came amid missile attacks targeting Riyadh and other parts of the kingdom.
Saudi authorities said attacks over two days had killed three people and injured 36 others at airports in Riyadh and Abha. The incidents added to concerns for passengers, airport workers and residents in areas affected by missile interceptions.
Missiles intercepted near Riyadh
The Houthi movement said it launched a ballistic missile toward King Khalid International Airport. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh, along with another missile directed at Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Explosions were heard near Riyadh’s main international airport, while smoke rose from a stationary aircraft. The aircraft was believed to have been unoccupied when the incident occurred. Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm that the airport had been directly struck by a missile.
Firefighters, ambulances and other emergency teams were deployed to the airport. Passengers were evacuated, departing flights were suspended and some travellers were asked to leave without their checked baggage.
Airport closures affect travellers
Flight-tracking information later indicated that King Khalid International Airport had again stopped arrivals and departures after a temporary pause in operations. The situation showed how quickly security incidents can affect schedules, aircraft movements and airline crews.
Air India Express cancelled Riyadh services through October 10, offering affected passengers free rebooking or a full refund. Akasa Air also cancelled its Kochi-Riyadh and Riyadh-Kochi flights scheduled for October 8, with rescheduling and refund options available.
IndiGo diverted a Hyderabad-Riyadh flight to Dammam and cancelled a Delhi-Riyadh flight. It also cancelled planned Delhi-Riyadh, Mumbai-Riyadh and Hyderabad-Riyadh services for October 9.
Travellers flying to or from Riyadh should confirm the latest flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.
Kindergarten and medical clinic damaged
While the missiles were intercepted, debris fell in Riyadh. Saudi Civil Defence said fragments from a ballistic missile caused material damage to a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex. No injuries from the falling debris were announced.
The damage highlighted the risks that remain even after an incoming missile is stopped. Debris from interceptions can still endanger people, buildings, roads and transport infrastructure in populated areas.
The latest events followed earlier attacks at King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport. Saudi authorities said two people were killed and 28 injured at Abha, while one person died and eight others were injured at King Khalid airport.
Houthi warnings raise airspace concerns
The Houthis have claimed attacks on Saudi airports, military sites and oil infrastructure. The group warned international airlines against using Saudi airspace, saying it had become part of its military operations.
It also urged people to stay away from Saudi oil facilities, which it described as possible targets. The warnings have increased concern about aviation safety, energy infrastructure and commercial activity across the region.
Saudi Arabia has responded with strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition said it had destroyed 82 Houthi military targets across four Yemeni provinces, including a platform in Sanaa that it said was used to launch attacks toward Riyadh.
FAQ: Riyadh airport flight disruption
Why were flights cancelled at Riyadh airport?
Flights were suspended or cancelled after missile activity and emergency operations near King Khalid International Airport affected airport safety and aircraft movements.
Was anyone hurt when smoke was seen at Riyadh airport?
Authorities did not immediately report injuries connected to the smoke from the stationary aircraft. However, Saudi authorities reported casualties from attacks at Riyadh and Abha airports over two days.
What should passengers do before travelling to Riyadh airport?
Passengers should check directly with their airline for cancellations, diversions, rebooking options and updated departure times. They should also allow extra time for security procedures and possible changes at short notice.