Riyadh Airport Attack Kills 13, Wounds 309; Air India Extends Cancellationsਰਿਆਦ ਹਵਾਈ ਅੱਡੇ 'ਤੇ ਹਮਲੇ ਵਿੱਚ 13 ਮੌਤਾਂ, 309 ਜ਼ਖ਼ਮੀ; ਏਅਰ ਇੰਡੀਆ ਦੀਆਂ ਉਡਾਣਾਂ ਹੋਰ ਰੱਦ

A missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, 10 October 2026, killed 12 people and wounded 309, Saudi aviation authorities said. It was the third attack on the airport in a week and, according to the Associated Press, the deadliest in any Gulf Arab country since the start of the Iran war. Air India and Air India Express have now extended their Riyadh cancellations, which matters to many Indian families and workers who travel on the route.

What happened at Riyadh airport?

Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority said the strike hit the airport on Saturday afternoon and suspended operations while damage was assessed. A regional official told AP the missile struck a complex housing terminals 3 and 4, which handle domestic flights. The Saudi-led coalition blamed Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels and called the attack a "full-fledged war crime". At the time of the first reports there was no immediate statement from the Houthis on this strike, although the group claimed the earlier attacks this week.

Who were the victims?

The authority said the dead included four Saudi citizens and eight foreign residents: two Bangladeshis and one person each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan. Some of the 309 injured were said to be in critical condition. The statement did not list any Indian nationals among the dead.

How are Indian flights affected?

Air India has extended its cancellations of flights to and from Riyadh until 15 October, and Air India Express until 14 October, officials told PTI. Air India Express runs 16 weekly services from Bengaluru, Kochi, Kannur and Kozhikode, while Air India flies seven a week from Delhi and Mumbai. Both airlines are offering full refunds, and Air India Express is also offering free rescheduling. Akasa Air has cancelled its Riyadh flights until 11 October. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh earlier advised Indians in Saudi Arabia to stay alert and follow local authorities' instructions.

What has the world said?

US President Donald Trump said Washington "may" join Saudi strikes on the Houthis and added that "what happened in Saudi Arabia is not acceptable". Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that an American citizen was among the dead and said the attacks "must stop now". The United States, Britain, Germany, Australia and Canada have warned their citizens to avoid the airport. The Saudi-led coalition has vowed a firm response.

Why is this escalation important?

Fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces has intensified since a coalition offensive began last week, and the Houthis have told airlines to avoid Saudi airspace. Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, has reportedly asked allies for more air defence support, according to AP. Millions of Indians live and work in the Gulf, so airport closures and further strikes directly affect travel and remittances from Punjab and other states.

How many people died in the Riyadh airport attack?

Saudi authorities initially said 12 people were killed and 309 wounded on 10 October 2026; the toll rose to 13 after an injured Indian national died on 11 October.

Are Air India flights to Riyadh running?

No. Air India and Air India Express later extended their Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah cancellations until 20 October, with full refunds on offer.

Who is blamed for the attack?

The Saudi-led coalition blames the Houthis of Yemen. The group had claimed earlier strikes on the same airport this week but had not immediately commented on this one.

ਅੱਪਡੇਟ: Oct 22, 2026: the death toll from the October 10 attack rose to 13 after an injured Indian national died on October 11, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said, per Anadolu Agency and Euronews. Air India later extended its Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah cancellations until October 20, per The Statesman and Mint.