Riyadh Airport Reopens Following Houthi Attack That Killed Three

Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport resumes operations after a deadly Houthi strike, which resulted in casualties and damage.

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Aapla Nagpur Desk
9 Oct 2026, 5:51 PM IST · 2 min read
Source: Al Jazeera
Riyadh Airport Reopens Following Houthi Attack That Killed Three
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1

Three individuals were killed and several injured in the Houthi attack on Riyadh's airport.

2

Saudia Airlines confirmed the death of a pilot and damage to an aircraft due to the strikes.

3

The ongoing conflict has escalated tensions in the region, prompting military responses from Saudi-led forces.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has reopened after a Houthi attack that resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to several others. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the resumption of airport operations on Friday, following the assault that targeted airport facilities and a Saudia aircraft the previous day.

The recent surge in Houthi attacks on Saudi airports has raised concerns about regional security. Earlier in the week, GACA reported that attacks on Abha and King Khalid airports had killed three civilians and injured 36. The Houthi military spokesperson claimed responsibility for launching a ballistic missile towards King Khalid airport, asserting that it successfully hit its target, causing significant disruption to air traffic.

In a tragic development, Saudia Airlines confirmed the death of Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami due to the attack, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict. The airline stated that the incident has deeply saddened them, as they mourn the loss of their pilot. The strikes have not only caused fatalities but also inflicted material damage, prompting a swift response from the Saudi-led coalition.

The implications of these attacks extend beyond immediate casualties, as they threaten to escalate the already volatile situation in the region. The Yemeni government forces have been engaged in a counteroffensive against the Houthis, who recently seized territory along the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait. The conflict, reignited by external influences, risks drawing in additional regional powers, with Pakistan and Turkiye preparing to deploy troops in support of Saudi Arabia.

Looking ahead, the Saudi-led coalition has vowed to respond decisively to any further Houthi aggression. They reported the destruction of multiple rocket launch platforms used by the Houthis to threaten regional stability. As military operations continue, the situation remains tense, with both sides preparing for potential escalations in the ongoing conflict.

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