Riyadh Airport attack: 12 dead, 309 injured, flights halted as Houthis issue new warning

Dhaka: Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport remains at the center of a major security crisis after a deadly attack killed 12 people and injured 309 others, prompting flight disruptions, emergency medical mobilization, and warnings to airlines and travelers.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed on October 11 that October 10’s  attack killed four Saudi citizens and eight foreign nationals, including two Bangladeshis and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. Several injured people remain in critical condition. Authorities are assessing damage to airport facilities.

Airport operations disrupted, passengers urged to check flights

Airport operations were suspended following the attack on the passenger terminal. As of October 11, the latest reports reviewed for this article did not establish a confirmed reopening time.

The disruption has affected international aviation, with airlines canceling or delaying services. Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport departure board listed Saudia flight SV805, Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG339, and Riyadh Air flight RX764 as canceled on October 11. Passengers are advised to verify their bookings directly with airlines before traveling to the airport.

The incident is also affecting Bangladeshi travelers, following the deaths of two nationals. Bangladesh has condemned the attack, while its diplomatic mission in Riyadh is coordinating with Saudi authorities to assist affected citizens.

Saudi-led coalition vows decisive response

Saudi Arabia’s military coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government has blamed Yemen’s Houthi movement for the attack and promised a decisive response.

Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki described the strike as a war crime, citing the deaths and injuries among civilians at the airport. The coalition said any response would be conducted under international humanitarian law.

The Houthis, meanwhile, issued a renewed warning to airlines, airport personnel, and travelers against using Saudi airports, increasing concerns over the safety of commercial aviation in the region.

Trump weighs possible US involvement

The attack has also drawn international condemnation. US President Donald Trump called the incident unacceptable and said Washington was considering whether to join Saudi military action against the Houthis.

The United Nations has warned that attacks on civilian airports represent a serious escalation and threaten regional security and efforts to resolve the conflict in Yemen.

Riyadh schools shift to remote learning

The consequences extend beyond the airport. Schools in Riyadh are switching to remote learning for a week under instructions attributed to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education, according to reports.

Several foreign embassies have also advised their citizens to avoid the airport. Reports indicate that some diplomatic missions have restricted staff travel through the facility amid security concerns.

Wider escalation in region

October 10’s attack follows other strikes targeting Saudi airports during the same week, including an earlier incident in Riyadh that killed three Saudi citizens and damaged a Saudia aircraft. The latest assault marks a significant escalation in the renewed conflict involving the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen.

For now, the main concerns remain the airport’s operational status, the safety of passengers and airport personnel, and the possibility of further attacks. Travelers with upcoming flights through Riyadh should monitor airline announcements and official Saudi aviation advisories before making their way to the airport.