Riyadh Airport Attack: 12 Killed, 309 Injured as Saudi Arabia Faces Escalating Strikes

At least 12 people have been killed and 309 others injured in a missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, prompting the suspension of airport operations and raising fears of further escalation in the Middle East conflict.

The attack occurred on Saturday, October 10, 2026, targeting a complex at the airport serving domestic flights, according to reports citing Saudi civil aviation authorities.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said the casualties included four Saudi citizens and eight foreign nationals: two Bangladeshis and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.

Some of the injured were reported to be in critical condition and were receiving treatment at several hospitals. Authorities also confirmed property damage, although the full extent was still being assessed.

The strike is among the deadliest attacks on a civilian facility in the Gulf region since the escalation of the wider Middle East conflict.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthi movement blamed the group for the attack, describing the strike on the airport as a serious violation of international humanitarian law and warning that a response would follow.

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The Houthis had not initially claimed responsibility for the deadly strike, although the group had previously issued warnings to airlines and travellers against using Saudi airports and airspace.

The attack was the third reported strike targeting Riyadh’s airport during the week, according to international media reports. Earlier incidents had also caused casualties and disruption to aviation operations.

Following Saturday’s attack, airport authorities suspended operations as emergency responders attended to victims and officials assessed the damage.

Passengers were advised to contact their airlines and confirm flight arrangements before travelling to the airport. Foreign diplomatic missions, including those of the United States, Britain, Ireland and Canada, also issued security advisories urging their citizens to avoid the facility and surrounding areas.

The disruption affected international and domestic travel, with airlines cancelling or suspending services amid security concerns.

The attack has intensified pressure on Saudi Arabia to strengthen its air defences as hostilities involving the Houthis continue to spread beyond Yemen.

The Houthis, an Iran-aligned armed movement that has fought Saudi-backed forces in Yemen, have stepped up attacks on Saudi targets amid renewed fighting in the region. The wider conflict has increased concerns about the security of airports, energy infrastructure and important shipping routes.

US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering whether to join Saudi military strikes against the Houthis following the latest attack.

Trump told reporters that the United States would assess the situation before deciding on possible military involvement. He also indicated that he planned to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing them as a threat to civilian safety.

The latest violence also prompted diplomatic concern across the Gulf region, with countries expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and condemning attacks on civilian infrastructure.

The incident comes as Saudi Arabia continues preparations for major international business and investment events in Riyadh. The airport disruption has raised concerns about travel security and the potential economic consequences of prolonged hostilities.

The escalating confrontation has also renewed fears that the conflict could draw additional regional and international actors into direct military involvement.

For now, Saudi authorities are assessing the damage and managing the aftermath of the attack, while diplomatic and security officials monitor the risk of further strikes.

The immediate priorities remain the treatment of the injured, the restoration of safe airport operations and efforts to prevent further attacks on civilian infrastructure.