A Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia’s main international airport has killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300 others, according to Saudi aviation authorities.
The attack struck King Khalid International Airport near the capital, Riyadh, on Saturday, October 10, forcing the temporary suspension of airport operations.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said the victims included Saudi citizens and foreign nationals from several countries.
At least 309 people were injured, with some in critical condition, as emergency teams provided medical assistance and authorities assessed the damage.
The incident marked the third reported Houthi attack on the airport within a week, raising concerns about civilian safety and the wider escalation of Yemen’s conflict.
Houthi attack on Saudi airport leaves hundreds injured
Saudi aviation authorities confirmed that four Saudi citizens and two Bangladeshi nationals were among those killed.
The remaining victims included one national each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt.
The authorities said all injured individuals were receiving medical treatment, although some remained in critical condition.
The attack also caused property damage at King Khalid International Airport, one of Saudi Arabia’s major international aviation hubs.
Airport operations were temporarily suspended while officials evaluated the situation.
The full extent of the damage and the timetable for restoring normal operations were not immediately confirmed.
Third attack on Riyadh airport in one week
Saturday’s incident followed earlier attacks targeting the airport during the same week.
Saudi authorities said an attack on Thursday killed at least three Saudi citizens, including a pilot.
The Houthis previously claimed to have launched a ballistic missile towards King Khalid International Airport, saying the strike damaged facilities and disrupted air traffic.
Following Saturday’s attack, the head of the Houthi media office claimed the group had shut down Riyadh’s international airport.
According to reporting by Al Jazeera and Reuters, the Houthis have identified Saudi airports as targets amid intensifying military operations in Yemen.
The group also warned airlines against operating in Saudi airspace, while excluding the holy cities of Mecca and Medina from its declared military operations zone.
The warnings have increased concerns about commercial aviation and the safety of passengers travelling through the region.
Saudi-led coalition warns of decisive response
The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen condemned the airport attack and warned of a military response.
Coalition spokesperson Major-General Turki al-Malki described the incident as a war crime and said the coalition would respond in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Al-Malki also reported a separate incident involving a projectile that landed near King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
Authorities did not immediately provide further details about casualties or damage from that incident.
The attacks come amid renewed fighting between Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Houthis, who control the capital, Sanaa, and significant areas of northern Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has conducted airstrikes against Houthi-controlled territory in support of government-aligned forces.
The latest escalation has raised concerns about the potential for further attacks on civilian infrastructure across the region.
Regional governments condemn airport attack
Several countries condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Qatar described the incident as a direct threat to regional security.
Egypt, Jordan and Oman also expressed sympathy for the victims and support for Saudi Arabia.
US President Donald Trump described the attack as terrible and said Washington was considering whether to join military operations against the Houthis.
Meanwhile, foreign diplomatic missions issued security advisories for their citizens in Saudi Arabia.
The US Mission urged American nationals to avoid King Khalid International Airport and its surrounding areas.
British, Irish and Canadian diplomatic missions also warned citizens about the security situation.
Canada’s embassy advised its nationals in Riyadh to avoid travelling to the airport because of ongoing military activity.
Yemen conflict threatens regional aviation security
The latest attack highlights the growing regional consequences of Yemen’s prolonged conflict.
Renewed fighting has increased concerns about the safety of civilian infrastructure, international transport and neighbouring countries.
Airports are particularly sensitive locations because they serve civilian passengers, workers and international travellers.
International humanitarian law prohibits attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects. Parties to armed conflicts must distinguish between civilian infrastructure and legitimate military objectives.
The rising number of casualties has renewed concerns about the humanitarian consequences of further military escalation.
Yemen has already experienced years of conflict, displacement and economic hardship, leaving millions of people dependent on humanitarian assistance.
Further attacks and retaliatory operations risk worsening conditions for civilians while increasing instability across the wider region.
Saudi authorities continued assessing the damage following Saturday’s attack as medical teams treated the injured.
The incident underscores the growing risks facing civilian aviation as fighting between Saudi-backed forces and the Houthis intensifies.