Riyadh Airport Completely Closed After Houthi Attack; IndiGo, Air India Cancel Flights Till October 10

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was completely closed on Thursday after explosions rocked the Saudi capital, forcing airlines including IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express to cancel or divert flights.

The airport’s closure came after a fresh attack claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who said they targeted the airport with a ballistic missile. Saudi authorities said two missiles launched towards Riyadh were intercepted and destroyed.

Riyadh Airport Closed After Explosions

King Khalid International Airport was reported to have “closed again” following the blasts, with flight operations halted. Flightradar24 reported that the last landing had taken place more than 80 minutes earlier and the last take-off more than 90 minutes earlier.

A witness told The Associated Press that fire and ambulance crews were deployed at the airport and smoke was visible. Outgoing flights were halted, while passengers were instructed to evacuate and leave their checked-in luggage behind.

The airport separately advised passengers to contact their airlines and check their flight status before travelling to the airport amid the security situation.

IndiGo, Air India Cancel Riyadh Flights

Air India, IndiGo and Air India Express cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until October 10, citing the evolving security situation in the region. Passengers affected by the cancellations have been offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund, depending on the airline.

The disruption is likely to affect Indian passengers travelling between India and Saudi Arabia, particularly those with onward connections through Riyadh.

Houthis Warn Airlines Over Saudi Airspace

The Houthi rebels have repeatedly claimed attacks on Saudi airports, military installations and oil facilities in recent days. On Thursday, they issued another warning to international airlines over operating in Saudi airspace.

The latest escalation follows attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports on Wednesday. Saudi officials said those attacks killed three people, marking the first reported deaths since Saudi Arabia and allied Yemeni forces launched a major military offensive against the Houthis.

The Saudi-led coalition said its forces intercepted two ballistic missiles fired towards Riyadh and another missile aimed at Khamis Mushait. Debris from an interception damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex, although authorities did not report casualties from that incident.