Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport cancels 60% of flights after Houthi attacks

Cirium: Cirium is an aviation data and analytics firm that tracks airline schedules, flight operations, and industry performance metrics. It supplies detailed information to media outlets, airlines, and analysts for monitoring disruptions and trends. Reuters relied on Cirium's data to quantify the scale of flight cancellations at the airport. Houthis: The Houthis are a Yemeni rebel movement engaged in ongoing regional conflicts and frequently backed by Iran. They have targeted infrastructure and aviation assets in neighboring countries through missile and drone strikes. In this incident, their weekend attacks directly caused the closure and mass cancellations at Riyadh's main airport. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport: Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport is the main international gateway serving Saudi Arabia's capital and a key hub for domestic and international passenger and cargo traffic. It plays a central role in the kingdom's aviation infrastructure and connectivity. The airport experienced severe operational disruptions from Houthi attacks, resulting in near-total flight cancellations on Sunday and major expected cancellations on Monday. • Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia in October 2026. • Strikes targeted Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and a Saudia aircraft. • A Saturday attack reportedly killed 12 people, while earlier airport strikes also caused deaths and injuries. • Saudi authorities diverted flights and temporarily suspended airport operations after the attacks. • Airlines including Lufthansa Group, Air India, Etihad Airways, and Pakistan International Airlines suspended or canceled Riyadh services. • The disruption comes before major energy and investment conferences scheduled in Riyadh.