Airstrikes hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10, 2026, killing 12 people and injuring more than 300. The attack, attributed to the Iran-backed Houthis, targeted the airport’s terminal, causing significant damage. Four Saudi citizens and eight foreign nationals were among the dead, with casualties from Bangladesh, the U.S. Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the attack, stating that injured individuals were receiving medical care in Riyadh hospitals. Local residents responded by organizing blood donations to aid victims. The airport remained closed for several days, disrupting travel between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, where Air Cairo suspended flights from Cairo and Sohag.
The attack followed a series of strikes by the Houthis on Saudi infrastructure, escalating regional tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump warned of potential military action against the group, citing the attack as the deadliest on Riyadh in a decade. The UN and EU condemned the violence, urging de-escalation.
This incident marks the latest in a cycle of attacks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with the conflict rooted in the Yemen war. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have repeatedly targeted Saudi interests, while Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes in Yemen. The attack on Riyadh’s airport highlights the ongoing asymmetrical nature of the conflict, with civilian infrastructure becoming a focal point.
The situation has intensified diplomatic and military pressures, with the U.S. Considering joining Saudi-led strikes. The attack also disrupted regional travel, affecting both commercial and diplomatic routes. As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely for further developments.
