Saudi Arabia has faced a series of deadly attacks on its airports since October 7, 2026, with repeated strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killing 18 civilians, injuring hundreds and disrupting international air travel.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for several of the attacks and warned airlines and travellers against using Saudi airports, except those serving the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The attacks have triggered condemnation from Saudi Arabia and its allies, while the Saudi-led coalition has threatened a decisive response.
LEADERSHIP has put together a timeline of the attacks and what followed thereafter:
October 7: Attacks on Riyadh and Abha Airports Kill Three
Saudi authorities reported attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport.
Three people were killed and dozens injured in the incidents.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between the group and Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation did not publicly attribute the attacks to a particular group in its initial statement, according to the Associated Press.
October 8–9: Three Saudis Killed in Riyadh Airport Attack
Further attacks on King Khalid International Airport killed three Saudi citizens, including airline pilot Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, and damaged a Saudia aircraft.
Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier announced the pilot’s death in a statement.
“It is with profound sadness that Saudia announces the passing of Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami,” the airline said.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned the attack, with its secretary-general, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, calling for international action.
He said the targeting of civilian airports and civilians demanded “serious international action and decisive measures” to deter further attacks.
Saudi aviation authorities subsequently said flight operations had returned to normal, although concerns over further attacks persisted.
October 10: Deadly Strike Kills 12, Injures More Than 300
A missile strike on Riyadh’s international airport killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, in what Reuters described as the deadliest such attack on the kingdom in more than a decade.
The casualties included Saudi citizens and foreign nationals. Hospitals received large numbers of injured people, some in critical condition.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attack, saying it demonstrated “a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life”.
US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering joining Saudi Arabia’s military operations against the Houthis.
“We may. We’re going to look at it. We just found out about the recent attack, so we’ll make a decision. We move very quickly,” Trump told reporters.
The Saudi-led coalition vowed to respond, while airport operations were suspended and flights diverted.
October 11: Another Attack Kills One, Houthis Warn of More Strikes
A fresh attack on Terminal 4 at Riyadh’s airport caused a fire, killed one person and injured 11 others, Saudi authorities said.
The Saudi-led coalition also reported intercepting a cruise missile near the airport. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the previous day’s deadly strike and said they had targeted other Saudi facilities, including King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco installations.
The Houthis renewed their warning to airlines, airport workers and travellers.
“We urge everyone to take our warnings seriously, and Saudi Arabia bears responsibility for any failed interceptions,” the group said.
In a separate statement carried by Houthi-run Al Masirah television, the group’s foreign ministry warned Saudi Arabia against continuing its military campaign in Yemen.
“Unless the Saudi enemy stops its aggression and interference in Yemen, worse is yet to come, God willing,” it said.
The Saudi-led coalition described the October 10 attack as a war crime and vowed a firm response in accordance with international humanitarian law.
October 12: Saudi Arabia’s Allies Condemn Attacks
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt jointly condemned the attacks on Riyadh airport, describing them as a “dangerous escalation that cannot be justified or accepted under any pretext”.
The four countries said the Houthis would be held responsible for the consequences of the attacks and called for them to stop immediately.
“The Group holds the Houthi militia fully accountable for the results of these attacks,” the joint statement said.
The group also pledged support for Saudi Arabia’s “legitimate measures and steps” to counter the attacks and prevent them from recurring.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition reported further incoming missiles and drones, while Riyadh’s airport remained closed.
China Reacts
China, in its response to the recent attacks by the Houthis on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure, expressed “serious concern” about the conflict between Riyadh and the Yemeni group intensifying.
“China condemns the attacks that caused heavy casualties and expresses serious concern over the intensification of the conflict,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing.
“We call on relevant parties to avoid taking actions that escalate regional tensions, to resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and to achieve peace and stability in the region at an early date,” Ning said.
US Speaks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio while reacting to the attacks by Iran-backed Houthis of Yemen on the airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over the weekend, said:
“The United States strongly condemns the recent attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the terrorist Houthis, including today’s strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that took numerous innocent lives, including an American citizen.”
The secretary of state continued, “These reprehensible attacks demonstrate a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life. They must stop now. We stand with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people and extend our condolences to the victims and their families.”
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