Over 300 Flights Cancelled After Houthi Missile Attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-10-09 11:37:00

Air travel across the Middle East has plunged into severe disruption as security concerns grip the Saudi capital. Following a coordinated series of ballistic missile strikes launched by Yemen-backed Houthi rebels targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, aviation authorities and global carriers have scrambled to secure airspace. Reporting on the escalating crisis, international flight trackers confirmed that more than 300 flights to and from Riyadh have been abruptly cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and prompting major global airlines to suspend operations.

Over 300 Flights Cancelled Globally as Major Carriers Suspend Operations

The unprecedented wave of flight cancellations highlights the immediate danger posed to regional civil aviation corridors:

Global Flight Toll: Aviation tracking portals indicate that approximately 333 flights scheduled into and out of Riyadh have been grounded, canceled, or diverted worldwide.

Indian Carriers Step In: Following safety reviews on Thursday, October 8, 2026, Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo announced immediate suspensions of all flight routes serving Riyadh, with cancellations extending through October 10.

International Airline Actions: European aviation giant Lufthansa Group also joined the safety clampdown, confirming that its flights to Riyadh will remain suspended until October 16 due to the volatile security climate.

Eyewitness Accounts and Houthi Threats to Global Airspace

The escalation follows direct military targeting of civilian and commercial transport infrastructure:

Airport Smoke and Damage: Eyewitnesses and aviation insiders reported seeing thick smoke rising from aircraft parked on the tarmac at Riyadh's international airport following explosions on Thursday.

Houthi Warnings: The Iran-backed Houthi militia claimed responsibility for targeting the airport for the third consecutive day, publicly warning global airlines against operating in Saudi airspace, which the group designated as an active military target zone.

Missile Interceptions: The strikes occurred hours after the Saudi-led military coalition announced it had successfully intercepted incoming ballistic missiles over the kingdom.

Airline Advisories and Passenger Assistance Protocols

As uncertainty continues to disrupt travel schedules, airlines have activated emergency support channels:

Passenger Relief and Refunds: Carriers like Air India Express have issued advisories offering affected travelers options for complimentary date rescheduling or full, unhindered refunds for cancelled itineraries.

Advisories to Travelers: Airport authorities in Riyadh have urged all passengers scheduled to fly in the coming days to directly verify flight statuses with their respective airlines before heading to terminal buildings.

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