Riyadh Airport Attack: 12 Killed, 309 Injured in Strike on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport

At least 12 people were killed and 309 others injured in an attack targeting Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, October 10, the country’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said in an updated statement on Sunday. Several injured people are in critical condition and are receiving medical treatment at hospitals.

The fatalities included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan. Authorities also confirmed property damage, with the extent of the damage still being assessed.

Riyadh Airport Attack

🔴 URGENT | Riyadh Airport Attack

Authorities report that 12 people were killed in the attack on King Khalid International Airport: 4 Saudi nationals and 8 residents of other nationalities. https://t.co/zCAZv5h53X

— Makkah Updates🕋 (@MakkahUpdate) October 10, 2026

GACA Statement on Attack

#Statement | Follow-up on the attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

#GACA https://t.co/aTPAb8ImDx

— هيئة الطيران المدني (@ksagaca) October 10, 2026

Riyadh Airport Attack: Flight Operations Suspended

Airport operations were temporarily suspended following the attack as authorities assessed the damage and carried out safety inspections. Emergency services, including ambulances, rushed to the airport to assist the injured.

Several airlines cancelled or suspended flights to Riyadh, while incoming flights were diverted amid security concerns. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information before travelling to the airport. The US Embassy in Riyadh urged American citizens to avoid King Khalid International Airport and surrounding areas. British authorities also advised their nationals to stay away from the airport until the situation was deemed safe.

Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Airport Targeted Repeatedly

The latest attack follows earlier strikes targeting King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport on October 6 and 7. According to GACA, those incidents resulted in three deaths and 36 injuries. The repeated attacks have heightened security concerns around Saudi Arabia's civil aviation infrastructure, with airlines reviewing their operations amid the continuing threat.

Houthi Conflict Escalates Amid Saudi Military Offensive

The airport attack comes amid an intensification of the conflict between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia has been supporting military operations against the group as fighting has escalated in Yemen.

The breakdown of a ceasefire that had helped contain the conflict has contributed to renewed fighting and attacks on Saudi targets. The Houthis have also warned airlines against using Saudi airspace, describing it as a military operations zone. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis condemned the airport attack and vowed a response in accordance with international humanitarian law.

US Condemns Attack as Regional Tensions Rise

The United States condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised the strikes, saying they demonstrated disregard for civilian life.

US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering whether to join Saudi military operations against the Houthis, adding that a decision would be made after reviewing the latest developments. The attack has added to concerns over regional security and the potential for further escalation as Saudi Arabia continues its military campaign in Yemen.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 11, 2026 07:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).