Houthi Attacks Hit Riyadh Airport Again: Pakistani Killed, Indian Dies After Earlier Strike

Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh came under another attack on Sunday, October 11. The country’s civil aviation authority said a projectile struck the airport, killing a Pakistani resident and injuring 11 people.

The attack came just one day after a major strike on Saturday, October 10, killed 12 people and injured more than 300. An Indian national who was injured in Saturday’s attack later died, taking that attack’s death toll to 13.

According to international media reports, Riyadh airport has been hit four times in five days. The repeated attacks have raised serious concerns about civilian safety and the security of one of Saudi Arabia’s main aviation hubs.

Why Are the Houthis Targeting Saudi Arabia?

The Houthi movement is an armed group based in Yemen that has fought Saudi-backed forces during Yemen’s long-running conflict. Saudi Arabia has supported Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the Houthis.

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for earlier attacks on Riyadh airport and warned airlines against using Saudi airports and airspace. The attacks are part of a wider escalation in the conflict, although responsibility for each individual strike should be assessed on the basis of available evidence.

Attacking a civilian airport creates risks far beyond military targets. Passengers, airport employees, airline crews and people from several countries can be caught in the violence.

Flights Suspended, Airlines Cancel Services

Saudi authorities extended the closure of Riyadh airport following the attacks. Flight operations have been disrupted, with several international airlines cancelling services to and from the Saudi capital.

Airlines affected include Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia. Indian carriers have also suspended or adjusted services in response to the security situation.

The Houthis’ warning against using Saudi airports and airspace has added to uncertainty for airlines and passengers. Travellers should check directly with their airline before leaving for the airport, as schedules and restrictions may change.

India Condemns the Attacks

India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned repeated attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, describing the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure as unacceptable.

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has been in contact with local authorities following the casualties involving Indian nationals. The embassy has also advised Indians in the country to remain alert and follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities.

The death of an Indian national highlights the direct impact of the violence on Indian families living and working in the Gulf.

Could the Conflict Spread Further?

The repeated strikes raise questions about the ability of Saudi Arabia to protect important civilian infrastructure and the risk of a wider regional escalation.

Saudi Arabia may increase its military response, while further attacks could disrupt aviation and commercial movement across the region. The conflict also carries risks for shipping through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, an important route for international trade and energy supplies.

For now, the immediate priorities are civilian safety, reliable information about airport operations and preventing further attacks. Any military response also carries the risk of further casualties and retaliation.

The key point: The latest attack has killed another civilian and disrupted air travel, while an Indian citizen has died from injuries sustained in the earlier strike. The situation remains serious, and passengers travelling through Saudi Arabia should follow official advisories and airline updates.