Saudi Arabia is facing mounting security concerns after a series of reported attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh left at least 13 people dead and more than 300 injured, disrupted airline operations and triggered international condemnation.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the strikes, according to reports, while warning airlines against using Saudi airspace, which they have declared a zone of military operations.
The attacks have reportedly affected nationals of eight countries, intensifying concerns about civilian safety and the possibility of a wider regional conflict.
The United States and other countries have urged their citizens to exercise caution when travelling through the airport as airlines suspend or adjust flights amid the deteriorating security situation.
US President Donald Trump has also said Washington is considering whether to join Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against the Houthis. However, as of Monday, October 12, no final decision had been announced.
Latest Casualties From Riyadh Airport Attacks
The reported attacks have caused casualties, damaged aircraft and raised questions about the protection of civilian infrastructure.
On October 8, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, confirmed that one of its pilots had been killed during a ballistic missile attack and that an aircraft had been damaged.
The airline identified the deceased as Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami. It said the aircraft was parked at the airport and had no passengers on board when the incident occurred.
Local and international media subsequently reported that a Saudia Airbus A320 suffered extensive damage and caught fire while parked near a terminal. Reports citing sources familiar with the incident suggested the damage may have been caused by falling missile debris or a direct projectile strike.
Saudi authorities later reported that an attack on Saturday, October 10, killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300 others at King Khalid International Airport.
The victims reportedly included citizens of eight countries, highlighting the international consequences of the violence.
A further attack on Sunday, October 11, reportedly killed one person and injured 11 others within the airport complex, prompting additional security measures and disruptions to operations.
The repeated incidents have raised concerns about the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems and their ability to protect civilian airports from missile and drone attacks.
Saudi authorities and the Saudi-led coalition have continued assessing the damage and investigating how the projectiles reached the airport.
Trump Weighs Possible US Military Involvement
Washington has condemned the attacks, particularly following reports that an American citizen was among those killed in the strike on Riyadh airport.
Trump described the incident as a “terrible” attack and said his administration was considering whether to join Saudi Arabia’s offensive against the Houthis.
“We may. We’re gonna look at it. We just found out about the recent attack, so we’ll make a decision. We’ll move very quickly,” Trump said, according to Al Jazeera’s report on the international reaction.
The US president also indicated that he intended to discuss the situation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attacks, saying innocent people, including an American citizen, had been killed.
“We stand with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people and extend our condolences to the victims and their families,” Rubio wrote on X.
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia also advised American citizens to exercise extreme caution when using airports in the kingdom.
As of Monday, October 12, Trump had publicly indicated that possible military involvement was under consideration. However, reports available at the time did not confirm that Washington had made a final decision to join Saudi Arabia’s campaign.
Airlines Suspend Flights as Security Concerns Grow
The attacks and subsequent security warnings have forced several international airlines to suspend or modify services to Saudi Arabia, leaving passengers facing cancellations, delays and uncertainty.
According to reports, Lufthansa suspended flights to Riyadh until October 16, while Air France-KLM extended its suspension through the end of October.
Etihad Airways suspended flights to Saudi Arabia until October 13, while India’s IndiGo cancelled services to Riyadh and Dammam until October 15.
Air India Express also suspended some services to Saudi destinations, while other carriers introduced temporary schedule changes.
These dates reflect the airlines’ announced plans at the time of reporting and may change as the security situation develops.
The disruption could affect passengers travelling between Africa, Asia and Europe, particularly those relying on Riyadh as a connecting hub.
Travellers have been advised to contact their airlines before heading to the airport and monitor official travel advisories for updates on cancellations, diversions and alternative arrangements.
Countries and International Organisations Condemn Attacks
The reported strikes have drawn widespread condemnation from governments and international organisations concerned about civilian safety and regional stability.
Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia jointly condemned the attacks, describing them as a dangerous escalation with implications for regional and international peace.
The United Arab Emirates also denounced the strikes and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Other countries that condemned the attacks or voiced support for the kingdom included Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Syria, India, Japan, Canada and Malaysia.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed shock over the deadly incident, stressing that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international law and must stop immediately.
The European Union also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, while the African Union Commission condemned the attack and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The international reactions reflect growing fears that continued attacks could further destabilise the region, threaten civilian aviation and disrupt important transport routes.
Why Are the Houthis Targeting Saudi Arabia?
The latest incidents come amid renewed fighting involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels and forces aligned with the country’s internationally recognised government.
The Houthis control large parts of Yemen and have repeatedly targeted Saudi territory during periods of heightened conflict. Saudi Arabia has supported Yemen’s government through military operations against the rebels.
The latest attacks have brought civilian aviation infrastructure into the centre of the confrontation, raising fears that airports and other strategic facilities could face further strikes.
The Houthis’ warning that Saudi airspace is a zone of military operations could also force airlines to reconsider routes or suspend services if the threat continues.
Saudi authorities are investigating how the attacks reached Riyadh airport. The findings could influence security arrangements at other airports and critical facilities across the kingdom.
The threat of additional strikes has increased pressure on regional governments to prevent the conflict from spreading.
Potential Impact on International Travel
Saudi Arabia is an important international travel destination, serving business travellers, tourists and Muslims travelling for religious purposes, including Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Extended airport disruptions, flight cancellations and restrictions on Saudi airspace could affect passengers from Africa, Asia, Europe and other regions.
The crisis could also undermine Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract foreign investment, grow its tourism industry and strengthen its position as a regional transport and business hub.
For passengers with upcoming journeys, the immediate priority is to check official travel advisories, confirm flight status directly with airlines and follow instructions from local authorities.
Travellers connecting through Riyadh should also establish whether changes to their initial flights could affect onward journeys.
What Happens Next?
Saudi authorities must now focus on strengthening airport security, investigating the reported attacks and determining when affected operations can safely resume.
Airlines are expected to continue reviewing security risks before restoring suspended services, while governments may revise their travel warnings as new information becomes available.
Attention is also turning to Washington, where Trump’s consideration of possible military action could have significant implications for the conflict.
With the Houthis threatening further attacks, international governments urging caution and airlines changing their schedules, the coming days could prove critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can contain the crisis or whether additional countries will become involved.
