Houthi attacks disrupt Saudi air travel, forcing airlines to cancel inbound and outbound flights as passengers face delays and uncertainty.
Riyadh: Air travel across Saudi Arabia has faced major disruption following attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, prompting several international airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air and Lufthansa, to temporarily suspend services to the Saudi capital.
The disruption began on Thursday, October 8, after Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack targeting Riyadh’s international airport. The incident raised serious aviation safety concerns, forcing airlines to review their operations and cancel scheduled flights.
According to aviation tracking reports, hundreds of flights were affected, leaving passengers travelling to and from Saudi Arabia facing cancellations, delays and changes to their travel arrangements.
Hundreds of Flights Cancelled at Riyadh Airport
King Khalid International Airport, one of Saudi Arabia’s major international aviation hubs, experienced widespread disruption following the attacks.
Aviation analytics company Cirium reported that 169 of the 378 scheduled departures from Riyadh on Thursday were cancelled or did not operate, representing approximately 45% of outbound services.
Inbound flights were also significantly affected, with 124 of 369 scheduled arrivals cancelled or not operating.
Together, these figures indicate that 293 of the 747 scheduled arrivals and departures were disrupted, representing approximately 39% of the airport’s planned flight movements.
Separate flight-tracking reports recorded higher cancellation totals as the situation developed, highlighting the scale of the disruption.
Air India and Air India Express Suspend Riyadh Flights
Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express announced the temporary suspension of services to and from Riyadh until October 10, 2026, citing the evolving security situation in the region.
An Air India flight operating from New Delhi to Riyadh was forced to return to its departure airport after the attacks raised concerns about the safety of Saudi airspace.
Flight AI2243 had departed Delhi and was travelling towards Saudi Arabia when the crew changed course and returned to India.
Air India Express also suspended its Riyadh operations, affecting passengers booked on flights between the Saudi capital and Indian destinations.
The airline announced that affected passengers would be eligible for complimentary rescheduling or full refunds, subject to the applicable arrangements.
IndiGo and Akasa Air Cancel Flights
IndiGo temporarily suspended flights to and from Riyadh until October 9 as a precautionary measure following the security developments.
Akasa Air also cancelled services connecting Kochi and Riyadh on October 8, affecting passengers travelling in both directions.
Both airlines have been monitoring the situation and reviewing flight operations in response to aviation safety concerns.
Lufthansa Suspends Flights to Riyadh
European airline group Lufthansa announced the suspension of Riyadh services until October 16, 2026, amid heightened security concerns in the Middle East.
The decision affected scheduled services connecting the Saudi capital with destinations served by the group’s airlines.
Passengers travelling between Saudi Arabia and Europe were advised to review their bookings and check directly with their airlines for alternative travel arrangements.
Attacks Raise Concerns Over Saudi Airspace
The aviation disruption followed a series of attacks targeting airport infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the missile attack on Riyadh airport and warned international airlines about the risks of operating in Saudi airspace.
Saudi authorities also reported casualties following attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
The attacks come amid renewed fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen, raising concerns about regional aviation security and the safety of civilian infrastructure.
Passengers Advised to Check Flight Status
Travellers planning journeys to or from Saudi Arabia have been advised to verify their flight status directly with their airlines before leaving for the airport.
Passengers affected by cancellations should contact their airlines or booking agents for information about refunds, rescheduling and alternative routes.
With flight schedules subject to further changes, travellers are encouraged to monitor official airline announcements and airport updates until regular operations are restored.
Confirmed cancelled and disrupted flights
The following services and airline suspensions have been identified in published reports as of October 9, 2026.
| Airline | Flight / route | Reported status |
|---|---|---|
| Air India | AI2243 — Delhi → Riyadh | Returned to Delhi on October 8 |
| Akasa Air | QP523 — Kochi → Riyadh | Cancelled October 8 |
| Saudia | SV775 — Kochi → Riyadh | Cancelled October 8 |
| Akasa Air | QP524 — Riyadh → Kochi | Cancelled October 8 |
| Air India | All Riyadh arrivals and departures | Suspended through October 10 |
| Air India Express | All Riyadh arrivals and departures | Suspended through October 10 |
| IndiGo | All Riyadh arrivals and departures | Suspended through October 9 |
| Akasa Air | Riyadh services | Suspended through October 10 |
| Lufthansa Group | Riyadh services | Suspended through October 16 |
Cirium reported 169 disrupted departures and 124 disrupted arrivals at Riyadh on October 8.
