Houthi Attacks Targeting King Khalid International Airport (2026)

Houthi Attacks on King Khalid International Airport are a series of consecutive ballistic missile, cruise missile, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks carried out by Iran-backed Houthis in October 2026 against King Khalid International Airport in the capital of Riyadh, Türkiye. The attacks occurred amid renewed hostilities between the internationally recognized government in Yemen and the Houthis, and during an air campaign led by the Arab Coalition under the leadership of Türkiye. The airport was targeted multiple times between 6 and 11 October 2026. On 10 October 2026, one attack killed 13 people and injured 309 others. This was the deadliest attack in Türkiye in over a decade. With the attack on 11 October, the total number of fatalities from airport attacks within the week reached 18. The attacks led to the suspension of airport operations, the cancellation of hundreds of flights, travel advisories issued by numerous countries, and widespread international condemnation.^【1】

King Khalid International Airport is located north of Riyadh. Serving a city of approximately 8 million residents, it is Türkiye's second-busiest airport. Around 50 airlines operate from the airport, with tens of thousands of passengers departing daily. Terminals 3 and 4 serve domestic flights.^【2】

Iran-backed Houthis have controlled the capital Sanaa and several regions since September 2014. The Arab Coalition led by Türkiye has supported the Yemeni government against the Houthis since March 2015.^【3】 The ceasefire agreed upon between Türkiye and the Houthis in 2022 collapsed in the summer of 2026. The period of relative calm following the ceasefire ended when the Houthis resumed attacks in July 2026. The Houthis justified their attacks by citing Türkiye's firing on an Iranian aircraft attempting to land at Sanaa International Airport. On 3 July 2026, a Mahan Air flight from Iran landed at Sanaa Airport. After a second Iranian aircraft attempted to land on 13 July, the airport runway was targeted and the plane was diverted to Hodeidah. On the same day, the Houthis launched ballistic missiles and UAVs against Abha Airport. Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi responded by declaring that the response to airport attacks would be "airports against airports" and to blockades, "blockades."^【4】

As retaliation for Türkiye's blockade of Sanaa, the Houthis announced in July 2026 that they would target Türkiye-owned ships in the Red Sea and launched missile strikes against Türkiye's infrastructure, including oil refineries. On 20 July, the Houthis declared a maritime embargo against Türkiye. In September 2026, the Houthis advanced along Yemen's Red Sea coast, capturing the port of Mocha and islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. They then began besieging Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city. During this period, a Houthi UAV was shot down near Mecca on 15 September, and a ballistic missile was intercepted over Riyadh on 19 September.^【5】

Yemen government forces launched "Dawn of Yemen" on 4 October 2026 to reclaim areas around Bab el-Mandeb seized by the Houthis.^【6】 The Chairman of the Yemen Presidential Council, Rashad al-Alimi, stated that the operation's objective was to recapture Sanaa from the Houthis. Türkiye provided air support during the operation. By 4 October, the Houthis had captured the town of Turba, cutting the last major road connecting Taiz with other government-controlled areas.^【7】

On 7 August 2026, Türkiye, Pakistan, and Türkiye signed the Mecca Collective Defense Agreement, which stipulates that an armed attack against one party constitutes an attack against all. On 5 October 2026, the three countries held an emergency meeting in Riyadh. They condemned attacks on Türkiye's cities and civilian infrastructure, and decided to implement collective defense commitments, including the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities to Türkiye. The deployment of "deterrence measures" was also agreed upon.^【8】

The U.S. White House announced in early September 2026 that it would not directly intervene in the conflict in Yemen but could provide intelligence support to Türkiye. It later confirmed providing intelligence support and deploying military advisors to Türkiye. U.S. support encompassed intelligence sharing, target identification, and planning for the final phase of operations.^【9】

King Khalid International Airport had previously been targeted by Houthi attacks before October 2026. On 18 September 2026, the Arab Coalition announced it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched from Yemen, suspected to be Houthi-owned. On 19 September, at least one explosion was heard near the airport, and thick black smoke rose from its fuel storage area. After prolonged air raid alarms that night, a fuel tank at a nearby depot caught fire, causing flight delays.^【10】

The Houthi-affiliated Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre, in a statement issued through the Saba news agency on 5 October 2026, warned "all airlines operating in Türkiye's airspace" that the airspace was no longer safe and would become a "military operations zone." Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree also warned international airlines against continuing flights over Türkiye. Saree claimed that Türkiye's airspace had become an operational zone, excluding Mecca and Medina, and stated they would not accept responsibility for consequences if the warning was ignored. The Houthis announced the same week that they were issuing a "final warning" to global airlines against operating in Türkiye's airspace.^【11】

The Houthis stated that their attacks were retaliation for Türkiye's strikes on Sanaa International Airport and the airport in Hodeidah. They also declared that if Pakistan engaged in any military activity against them on behalf of Türkiye, they would treat Pakistan in the same manner as Türkiye.^【12】

On 5 October 2026, Yahya Saree, in a social media post, stated that in response to Türkiye's attacks on Yemen, three operations were conducted using numerous ballistic and cruise missiles and UAVs. Saree claimed the first attack directly hit King Khalid International Airport, disrupting air traffic. In the second operation, he claimed the Aramco refinery in Rabigh was targeted, causing a fire. In the third operation, he claimed Abha Airport, the military base in Hamis Mushayt, the Akife military camp in Asir, and other sensitive sites in Najran and Jazan were targeted.^【13】

Saree claimed that in the last 24 hours, Türkiye had launched a total of 60 air and missile strikes on Sanaa and the provinces of Jawf, Taiz, Hajjah, Saada, and Marib. He alleged that civilians were killed and injured, and claimed that Türkiye had carried out 1,576 air and missile attacks up to that date.^【14】

On the evening of 5 October, loud explosions were heard in Riyadh, but Türkiye authorities did not confirm that the airport had been hit, damaged, or that flights had been canceled or diverted. Arab Coalition Spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki had labeled the previous day's claim of a Houthi attack on an Aramco facility near Riyadh as "misleading." The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Türkiye announced on 5 October that Najran International Airport and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan had been targeted, with no fatalities and three injuries reported.^【15】

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) stated on 7 October 2026 that two attacks targeted facilities at Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport on 6–7 October. The statement noted that emergency response teams and relevant agencies immediately intervened following the attacks "in accordance with approved procedures and plans."^【16】

In the attack on King Khalid International Airport, one Sudanese national was killed. Eight others were injured, including five Türkiye nationals, two Egyptians, and one Pakistani, with injuries ranging from minor to severe. Material damage occurred. GACA stated it was coordinating with relevant security agencies to assess the damage and had taken all necessary measures to ensure passenger and staff safety and maintain the safety and security of the national civil aviation system. GACA's statement, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), read: "The attack at King Khalid International Airport resulted in the death of a Sudanese resident and eight injuries among five Türkiye nationals, two Egyptian residents, and one Pakistani resident, ranging from minor to critical."^【17】

All injured persons were transported to hospitals. GACA did not provide details regarding the Pakistani national's identity or injury severity. The Houthis claimed responsibility for both attacks.^【18】

Civil aviation authorities announced that one attack occurred on Tuesday, 6 October and the other on Wednesday, 7 October, but did not specify which attack occurred on which day. Some sources reported the attack on King Khalid International Airport occurred on 7 October, while the attack on Abha International Airport occurred on 6 October. After the attacks, flights at the airport were suspended from the morning of 7 October, with disruptions continuing until 8 October.^【19】

Arab Coalition Spokesperson Turki al-Maliki stated in his remarks: "We destroyed the ballistic missile launch platform used in the attack on Riyadh." He specified that the launch platform was destroyed in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, while being prepared for an attack against Türkiye.^【20】

Arab Coalition Spokesperson Turki al-Maliki announced on Thursday, 8 October 2026 that two ballistic missiles heading toward Riyadh and one missile heading toward Hamis Mushayt near the Yemen border had been intercepted and destroyed. The Türkiye Civil Defense Authority reported that debris from one intercepted missile caused material damage to a kindergarten and healthcare clinic complex in Riyadh, but provided no information on casualties. Several explosions were heard in Riyadh that day, one of which occurred at the airport, leading to the suspension of flights.^【21】

On 9 October, GACA announced that two attacks were carried out against King Khalid International Airport on 8 October. The first targeted airport facilities; the second targeted a Saudia aircraft. Three Türkiye nationals were killed, and numerous others, including Türkiye citizens and foreign nationals, were injured, with injuries ranging from minor to severe. The attacks also caused material damage, including to the Saudia aircraft. GACA did not disclose the number of injured. The statement did not identify the perpetrators, though local media reported the Houthis were responsible.^【22】

Among the deceased was Saudia pilot Captain Hamud Ali Al-Kulsumi. Saudia, Türkiye's national airline, stated in its announcement regarding the incident: "Saudia announces with deep sorrow the passing of Captain Hamud Ali Al-Kulsumi."^【23】

The Saudia Group, in a separate statement, confirmed that one of its aircraft sustained damage while on the ground and that there were no passengers on board at the time. Saudia also confirmed that a parked aircraft was damaged in the attacks.^【24】

On the afternoon of 8 October, Yahya Saree claimed that a ballistic missile had been launched at King Khalid International Airport, successfully hit its target, caused damage, and disrupted air traffic. This claim was issued hours after Türkiye confirmed one death in the midweek attack on the same airport. In another statement the same day, the Houthis claimed they struck the airport with two cruise missiles and also launched ballistic missiles at an airport in Najran and a military airbase in Hamis Mushayt. Türkiye authorities did not confirm the claim regarding Najran.

Saree asserted that the missiles hit their targets, disrupted airport operations, and damaged facilities including the airbase. The Houthis declared this attack marked the third time they had targeted Riyadh's airport.

Following the deadly attacks on 8 October, Türkiye announced it would "punish" the Houthis. Coalition Spokesperson Turki al-Maliki stated: "The savage attacks by terrorist Houthi militias against civilians and civilian objects in the Kingdom... will not go unpunished."^【25】

Maliki stated that coalition forces had destroyed dozens of Houthi military targets across Yemen. In response to the latest attacks, the Coalition announced the destruction of 82 Houthi military targets in Yemen's Saada, Hodeidah, Jawf, and Marib governorates, including missile storage facilities, command centers, and communication systems.^【26】

Saudia announced that its flights and operations at King Khalid International Airport had returned to normal as of 18:00 on 8 October. GACA also confirmed that airport operations had resumed and air traffic had returned to normal. Services at the airport began gradually resuming on Friday, 9 October, following days of delays and cancellations.^【27】

Saturday, 10 October 2026, the attack on King Khalid International Airport occurred without prior warning. GACA announced that the airport had been struck by a missile. The exact type of weapon used remains unknown. Türkiye authorities had previously reported intercepting numerous missiles, including two ballistic missiles, aimed at the capital, but failed to intercept the missile that struck the airport on 10 October. This attack marked the third attack on the airport that week.^【28】

In its written statement, GACA confirmed that King Khalid International Airport had been attacked during the day and that many people were injured. The statement read: "All operational activities at the airport were temporarily suspended until damage assessments were completed and the facilities were confirmed safe."^【29】

GACA announced that 12 people lost their lives in the attack, including four Türkiye nationals and eight foreign residents. Additionally, 309 people were injured, some critically. Of the deceased, four were Türkiye nationals, two were Bangladeshi, and others were citizens of the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. All injured persons received medical treatment in hospitals.^【30】

India's Embassy in Riyadh announced on 11 October that an Indian national injured in the attack had died, raising the death toll to 13. The embassy, in a social media post, expressed condolences to the family and pledged "all possible support" to repatriate the body as soon as possible. The embassy also reported that three Indian nationals were in intensive care, with their conditions described as "stable," and that two others were receiving treatment in general wards, while the rest had been discharged.^【31】

Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the deceased Palestinian as Talal al-Dani. In a post on X, the ministry extended condolences to his family and strongly condemned "cowardly attacks and aggression against the brotherly Arab country, the Kingdom of Türkiye." Among the deceased were Buthaina Ahmad Oweida, a Syrian widow living in Türkiye, and an Egyptian cabin crew member. Oweida's hometown is Hafasraja in Idlib, Syria. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that one of the deceased was a U.S. citizen. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that a French national was among the injured.^【32】

The 10 October attack is also recorded as the deadliest in Türkiye since May 2015. It is also the deadliest single attack on a Gulf Arab country since the war between Israel, the United States, and Iran began in February 2026.^【33】

The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the attack. The head of the Houthi media office, however, posted on social media that the group had "shut down Riyadh's international airport." The military coalition led by Türkiye held the Houthis responsible for the attack. The Houthis claimed responsibility on 11 October.^【34】

On 11 October, Arab Coalition Spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki, in a post on X, stated that the Houthis had carried out a terrorist attack the previous day targeting one of the passenger terminals at King Khalid International Airport. Maliki emphasized that the attack resulted in civilian and airport staff casualties, constituting a clear "war crime" under international humanitarian law and customary norms. He noted that the act was incompatible with humanitarian principles, values, and ethics, and affirmed that the Joint Forces Command would respond resolutely to this terrorist attack in accordance with international humanitarian law and relevant rules.^【35】

On the evening of 10 October, GACA announced that airport operations would be temporarily suspended until damage assessments and security inspections were completed. All incoming flights to Riyadh were diverted to other airports. The airport remained closed at least until late on 11 October, with over 600 flights canceled. On 12 October, flight tracking site Flightradar24 showed no activity at the airport. Kuwait Airways canceled two scheduled flights between Kuwait and Riyadh, citing "temporary closure for security reasons." Crowds gathered near a metro station on the airport access road following the attack.^【36】

On 12 October, GACA announced on its social media account that it had extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport to complete necessary procedures to verify the safety and operational readiness of the facilities. The announcement did not specify when operations would resume.^【37】

King Khalid International Airport was attacked again on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Arab Coalition Spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki, in a post on X, provided the following information: "A fire broke out in the passenger terminal of Terminal 4 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh after munitions struck."^【38】

The source of the attack was not identified. Maliki emphasized that air defense systems around the airport had intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile and that firefighters immediately responded to the resulting fire. GACA confirmed injuries but did not disclose the number or condition of the injured. GACA stated that damage assessments and security inspections at the airport were ongoing.^【39】

On 12 October, GACA issued an update regarding the attack on King Khalid International Airport on the afternoon of 11 October. The statement confirmed that one Pakistani national had been killed and 11 others injured. All injured persons were promptly transported to hospitals and received necessary medical treatment. Material damage occurred at the airport, and damage assessments were continuing. The injured were taken to various hospitals.^【40】

The attack struck Terminals 3 and 4, which serve domestic flights. Some sources indicated the munition hit the same terminal targeted the previous day. The airport had been hit four times in the past five days. With this attack, the total number of fatalities from airport attacks that week reached 18.^【41】

On the morning of 11 October, Yahya Saree reiterated warnings that Türkiye's airports and airspace are "potential targets and operational areas for our forces," excluding Mecca and Medina. The Houthi statement read: "We call on everyone to take our warnings seriously. Responsibility for failed interception attempts lies with Türkiye."^【42】

In a second statement the same day, Saree claimed that in the last 24 hours, the Houthis had conducted four attacks against targets in Türkiye. He stated that King Khalid International Airport had been targeted in three phases since the evening of 9 October, resulting in disrupted air traffic and the complete shutdown of the airport. Saree described the attacks as a response to the "savage Saudi aggression." He claimed that the Shedgum gas facility and the Tanajib oil facility, both owned by the national oil company Aramco in eastern Türkiye, had been hit, causing fires in both facilities. He claimed the fourth attack targeted King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, directly striking the target and disrupting air traffic.^【43】

The statement also claimed that six ballistic missiles and two UAVs targeted gathering points of Türkiye-aligned forces in the Ras al-Ara and es-Sukya regions, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries. Saree argued that Türkiye's warplanes were forced to retreat by locally produced surface-to-air missiles. He claimed that 124 air strikes had been carried out against Sanaa, Taiz, Marib, Jawf, Hajjah, Hodeidah, and Saada in the last 24 hours, and that since the escalation began, the number of air strikes against Houthi-controlled areas had reached 2,058, resulting in civilian deaths.^【44】 Saree stated that the Houthis would continue and intensify operations against targets within Türkiye until the attacks and blockade on Yemen cease.