Smoke seen at Riyadh airport; flights cancelled, kindergarten, hospital damaged as tensions escalate
Smoke Seen at Riyadh Airport as Flights Are Cancelled
Bharatmorningnews.com – Smoke seen at Riyadh airport prompted flight cancellations and passenger evacuations as tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels escalated. The disruption followed reported missile activity targeting Saudi Arabia, with airport operations affected in Riyadh.
Saudi authorities said debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell in Riyadh, damaging a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex. No injuries linked to the falling debris were immediately reported.
Airport operations disrupted in Riyadh
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and another headed toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The Houthis said they had targeted King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile, though Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm a direct hit on the airport.
Smoke was seen rising from a stationary aircraft at King Khalid International Airport after explosions. The aircraft was believed to be unoccupied, while firefighters and ambulance crews were sent to the scene. Passengers were directed to evacuate parts of the airport.
Departures were suspended, and some travellers were asked to leave checked baggage behind while exiting. Flight-tracking data later indicated that airport operations had closed again, affecting arrivals and departures.
The wider attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports left three people dead and 36 injured, according to Saudi authorities. Two people were killed and 28 wounded at Abha International Airport, while one person was killed and eight others were injured at King Khalid International Airport.
Indian airlines revise Riyadh services
Several Indian airlines cancelled, diverted or adjusted flights connected to Riyadh. Air India Express cancelled services to and from Riyadh through October 10 and said affected travellers could rebook without 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 a Hyderabad-Riyadh flight to Dammam and cancelled a Delhi-Riyadh service. It also cancelled Delhi-Riyadh, Mumbai-Riyadh and Hyderabad-Riyadh flights scheduled for October 9.
Passengers travelling through Riyadh should check their airline’s latest notices before leaving for the airport. Cancellations, diversions and terminal evacuations can also affect connecting flights, even if the original itinerary has not yet been listed as cancelled.
Regional tensions raise airspace concerns
The Houthis said Saudi airspace had become part of their military operations and warned international airlines about operating in the kingdom. The group also urged people to stay away from Saudi oil facilities, which it described as possible targets.
Saudi Arabia responded with military action against Houthi positions in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition said it destroyed 82 Houthi military targets across four Yemeni provinces, including a platform in Sanaa that it said had been used for attacks on Riyadh.
The conflict has also drawn attention to Yemen’s western coastline and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key passage connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Continued instability around major air routes and sea lanes could complicate regional travel, shipping and transport planning.
FAQ for travellers in Riyadh
Why were flights cancelled after smoke seen at Riyadh airport? Flights were suspended as authorities responded to reported missile activity, smoke near a stationary aircraft and the evacuation of parts of King Khalid International Airport.
What should passengers do before travelling to Riyadh airport? Confirm the status of the flight directly with the airline, allow extra time for security procedures and follow airport instructions if terminal access or departures are restricted.
Can affected passengers seek a refund or rebook? Air India Express and Akasa Air said eligible passengers affected by their cancellations could rebook without charge or request a full refund. Travellers should check the terms provided by their own airline.