RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Several people were wounded in an explosion at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, October 10, 2026, as travellers were evacuated from parts of the facility amid escalating security threats in the region.
The incident occurred as Saudi Arabia faced a series of attacks attributed to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The Saudi civil aviation authority said the latest attack caused injuries and forced the suspension of airport operations while officials assessed the damage and casualties.
Reuters reported that eyewitnesses saw an explosion followed by several injured people on the ground inside the airport. More than a dozen ambulances were seen rushing to the facility.
An injured traveller also told Reuters that an object had flown across the sky outside the airport before part of the ceiling near a departure gate collapsed.
Authorities had not immediately released a comprehensive account of the latest incident or confirmed responsibility for the attack.
Travellers Evacuated As Emergency Crews Respond
Emergency services responded to the blast as airport authorities took steps to protect passengers and staff.
Travellers were evacuated from affected sections of the airport, while emergency crews rushed to assist the injured.
The Saudi authorities suspended airport operations as officials assessed the situation. The extent of the damage and the full number of casualties were still being established in initial reports.
The airport also urged passengers to contact their airlines directly and confirm their flight status before travelling to the facility.
The incident raised fresh concerns about the safety of one of Saudi Arabia’s major aviation hubs, particularly as attacks on the kingdom have intensified.
Airlines Cancel And Divert Flights
The blast caused significant disruption to air travel, with flights to Riyadh cancelled or diverted as the security situation deteriorated.
Kuwait Airways announced cancellations affecting flights to and from the Saudi capital, citing the airport closure and security situation.
Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways also cancelled multiple services connecting their respective hubs with Riyadh, with some cancellations extending into Monday.
Flight-tracking data reported by international media showed widespread disruption to arriving flights.
The cancellations came after airlines had already begun adjusting their schedules following earlier attacks on Saudi aviation facilities.
Passengers were advised to check directly with their airlines for updated departure times, cancellations and alternative arrangements.
Airport Had Already Been Hit In Earlier Attacks
Saturday’s explosion followed two attacks on Riyadh airport earlier in the week that killed Saudi nationals, injured others and damaged an aircraft belonging to the kingdom’s national carrier, Saudia.
The earlier incidents had already prompted airlines to reconsider services to the Saudi capital.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement had claimed responsibility for attacks earlier in the week. However, there was no immediate claim of responsibility for Saturday’s blast in the initial Reuters report.
The latest incident comes amid escalating military tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces in neighbouring Yemen.
Foreign Governments Issue Travel Warnings
Following the incident, the United States embassy in Riyadh advised American citizens to avoid the airport and surrounding areas.
British, Irish and Canadian diplomatic missions also issued warnings or alerts concerning the security situation and disruption to airport operations.
The warnings reflected growing concern about the risk posed by continued attacks on aviation infrastructure.
Despite the security challenges, organisers of major energy and investment conferences scheduled to take place in Riyadh said their events would proceed as planned, while seeking to reassure participants about security arrangements.
Authorities Continue Damage Assessment
Saudi authorities are expected to provide further information as assessments of the damage and casualties continue.
The latest blast underscores the potential consequences of the widening regional conflict for civilian infrastructure, international travel and passenger safety.
Travellers scheduled to pass through Riyadh have been advised to verify their flight arrangements before leaving for the airport and follow instructions from local authorities.
The cause and full circumstances of Saturday’s explosion, including responsibility for the latest attack, remain subject to further official clarification.
