Smoke seen at Riyadh airport; flights cancelled, kindergarten, hospital damaged as tensions escalate
Riyadh Airport Flights Cancelled After Houthi Attack
Indiadailyupdate.com – Smoke seen at Riyadh airport prompted fresh concern on Thursday after Yemen’s Houthi rebels said they had targeted the Riyadh area with a ballistic missile. Operations at King Khalid International Airport were disrupted, with flights cancelled or delayed as emergency teams responded.
Witnesses reported smoke rising from a stationary aircraft at the airport while fire engines and ambulances moved into place. The aircraft was believed to be empty at the time. Passengers were evacuated from parts of the terminal and some departing flights were temporarily halted.
Flight-tracking data showed the airport later closed again after limited activity. Travellers were told to leave checked baggage behind during the evacuation, adding to uncertainty for people with onward connections and scheduled departures.
Missile debris damages kindergarten and clinic
Saudi Civil Defence said debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell in Riyadh, damaging a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex. Authorities did not report injuries caused by the falling fragments.
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and another missile directed at Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The Houthis said they had launched a missile at King Khalid International Airport and that the attack had interrupted operations.
The Houthi movement warned international airlines about operating through Saudi airspace and urged people to avoid Saudi oil facilities it described as possible targets.
Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm that the airport itself had been directly hit. However, smoke seen at Riyadh airport and the resulting operational restrictions highlighted the immediate impact on aviation and passengers.
Earlier airport attacks caused deaths and injuries
The incident followed attacks over the previous two days at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport. Saudi authorities said the strikes killed three people and injured 36 others.
At Abha airport, two people were killed and 28 were wounded. The attack in Riyadh left one person dead and eight injured. The events formed part of continuing Houthi claims of attacks on Saudi airports, military installations and oil infrastructure.
Indian airlines revise Riyadh schedules
Several Indian carriers changed their Riyadh services as the situation developed. Air India Express cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until October 10 and said affected passengers could reschedule without an additional charge or request a full refund.
Akasa Air cancelled its Kochi-Riyadh and Riyadh-Kochi flights scheduled for October 8, offering free rescheduling or a full refund. IndiGo diverted its Hyderabad-Riyadh flight to Dammam and cancelled its Delhi-Riyadh service on Thursday.
IndiGo also cancelled Delhi-Riyadh, Mumbai-Riyadh and Hyderabad-Riyadh services scheduled for October 9. Travellers should check directly with their airline for the latest information, particularly if their journey involves a connection, checked baggage or onward travel from another Saudi city.
Saudi-led coalition expands Yemen operations
Saudi Arabia responded with strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition said it had destroyed 82 Houthi military targets across four Yemeni provinces, including a platform in Sanaa that it alleged was used to launch attacks towards Riyadh.
The escalation came after Houthi territorial gains along Yemen’s western coast and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important waterway linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Riyadh Airport Travel FAQ
What should passengers do if smoke is seen at Riyadh airport?
Passengers should follow airport staff instructions, monitor their airline’s official alerts and keep travel documents accessible. During an evacuation or closure, baggage collection and boarding may be delayed.
Can passengers rebook cancelled Riyadh flights?
Airlines may offer rebooking, rerouting or refunds when flights are cancelled for operational or security reasons. Eligibility and deadlines can vary, so passengers should contact the airline or booking provider before making alternative arrangements.
Why might a Riyadh-bound flight be diverted?
A flight may be diverted when airport operations, airspace access or ground safety procedures change. In this case, smoke seen at Riyadh airport coincided with restrictions that affected scheduled services and led some carriers to alter their operations.
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