Saudi Arabia has extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until October 17, 2026, following deadly missile and projectile attacks on October 10 and 11 that killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300, according to Saudi authorities.
Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the attacks, which have disrupted domestic and international air travel and prompted several airlines, including Indian carriers, to suspend or cancel services. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said the airport’s operations would remain suspended while authorities assess safety and operational readiness.
The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis has condemned the attacks and vowed a response, while airlines continue to revise their schedules amid security concerns. The extended shutdown highlights the growing risks to civilian infrastructure as regional hostilities intensify.
Deadly Attacks Disrupt Travel
The first major attack on October 10 killed 12 people and injured 309, according to GACA, with several injured people reported to be in critical condition. The victims included Saudi citizens and foreign nationals, underlining the international human cost of the violence.
A further projectile struck the airport on October 11, killing a Pakistani resident and injuring 11 others, Saudi authorities said. Those injured were taken to hospitals for treatment. GACA also confirmed that the attacks caused damage to airport property, with assessments continuing. The authority expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition described the October 10 attack as a “full-fledged war crime” and said it would “respond decisively” in accordance with international humanitarian law. The Houthis’ claims and the coalition’s response reflect the deepening confrontation, although the immediate priority for aviation authorities remains the safety of passengers, airport staff and aircraft.
Airlines Suspend Services
The airport shutdown has triggered widespread disruption across Saudi Arabia’s aviation network, with airlines cancelling flights, changing routes and offering passengers refunds or rescheduling options.
Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air are among the Indian carriers affected, alongside international airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, flydubai and Lufthansa. However, the suspension periods differ by airline and destination, and travellers should check directly with their carriers for the latest information.
Reuters reported that the attacks and subsequent security concerns had significantly reduced air traffic across the kingdom, while aviation authorities in the United States and Europe issued warnings concerning the regional airspace.
For Indian passengers, the disruption could affect work-related travel, family visits, business commitments and connecting journeys. Those travelling through Saudi Arabia may face additional costs or delays while alternative routes are arranged. The impact is particularly significant for people with urgent travel needs or limited flexibility.
The extended closure also creates uncertainty for airlines, which must balance operational requirements with rapidly changing security assessments. Passengers should not assume that flights to other Saudi cities are automatically cancelled or operating normally simply because Riyadh remains closed.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The attacks on Riyadh’s airport are a reminder that armed conflict rarely remains confined to military objectives or political calculations. When civilian airports become targets, ordinary people from different countries bear the consequences through loss of life, injuries, disrupted journeys and uncertainty about their safety.
The deaths of Saudi citizens and foreign nationals demonstrate how vulnerable civilians can be when regional hostilities escalate. While governments have a responsibility to protect their populations and investigate attacks, retaliatory action that risks further civilian harm can deepen cycles of violence rather than resolve them.
The protection of civilian infrastructure, adherence to international humanitarian law and meaningful diplomatic engagement must remain central to any response. Aviation safety decisions are necessary to protect lives, but lasting security cannot depend on repeated closures and emergency measures alone. Regional leaders and international partners must work towards de-escalation, dialogue and accountability while ensuring that those affected receive timely information and practical assistance.
Peace is not merely the absence of attacks; it also means allowing people to travel, work and reunite with their families without fear. As civilian infrastructure becomes increasingly vulnerable during conflicts, what steps should governments and international institutions take to protect ordinary people while preventing further escalation?
Also Read: One Indian Killed, 10 Injured In Riyadh Airport Attack; India Condemns Strikes
