At Least 12 Reported Dead and 309 Injured in Attack on Saudi Airport

Saudi officials reported that at least 12 individuals, including an American, lost their lives in a strike against Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday. Additionally, 309 others sustained injuries and are under treatment at various hospitals. Critically injured patients are among the victims, as mentioned in an official social media statement.

Among the deceased are four Saudis, two Bangladeshis, and one person from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. The attack is part of a surge in assaults on Saudi Arabia in relation to the ongoing conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. President Trump stated he is assessing whether the U.S. should participate in Saudi retaliatory actions against the Houthi forces.

A video obtained and verified by AP shows smoke and flames emanating from a fire at the airport on October 9, 2026. During a query on Saturday, President Trump suggested a quick decision would be made after the recent attack had been disclosed.

The U.S. State Department condemned the attacks on civilian structures by Houthis. A spokesperson confirmed close communication with Saudi partners. While the Houthis have not claimed responsibility for Saturday’s strike, they did admit to earlier attacks on King Khalid Airport that resulted in fatalities.

 On Saturday, a missile struck a terminal complex used for domestic flights. Attacks against Saudi airports, military units, and oil installations have intensified following a major Saudi-led military push against the Houthis. Despite accusations against Saudi Arabia for attacking Sanaa International Airport, there has been no immediate statement from the rebels.

Airport operations have been halted, as stated by Saudi civil aviation authorities. The disruption is expected to last until midnight, with a heavy police presence and blocked entrances. Lights in the area remain dimmed.

Flights tracked by Flightradar24 were redirected elsewhere, with nations such as the U.S., UK, Germany, and Canada advising citizens to avoid the airport. The strike has affected global oil markets, but Saudi officials continue promoting an international energy conference in Riyadh.

Escalating conflict in Yemen involves Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi coalition air support. Houthi territorial gains along the Red Sea enhance their surveillance over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian disruptions are prevalent.

Houthis warned airlines about threats in Saudi airspace, referring to their military operations. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued expanded guidance due to Houthis’ capacity to hit deeper targets in Saudi Arabia. They indicated increased risks of aircraft misidentification amid interception attempts.

Recent Houthi strikes on Thursday damaged aircraft at Riyadh airport, including three planes, according to officials. Airline operations have faced significant disruptions, with at least 291 flights canceled in the past day. Airlines like Air India, FlyDubai, and Lufthansa Group have suspended flights to Saudi airports, responding to heightened conflict risks.