Saudi Arabia suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following a new attack that caused injuries, prompting European aviation warnings, widespread international flight cancellations, and a statement from U.S. President Donald Trump indicating the United States might study participating in strikes against the Houthis.
Operational Suspension at King Khalid International Airport and Regional Flight Disruptions
The General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia announced a temporary halt to operational activities at King Khalid International Airport after an afternoon strike on Saturday, October 10, 2026. According to official statements, the facility handled 296,800 flights during 2025 at an average of roughly 813 daily flights, according to the General Authority for Statistics, making it the kingdom’s second-busiest airport after Jeddah.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation stated that the attack resulted in a number of injuries that are currently being worked on to be tallied.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed widespread rerouting and cancellations for inbound and outbound flights at the Riyadh hub. Regional carriers including Kuwait Airways cancelled flights between Kuwait and Riyadh, specifically scrubbing flights KU775 and KU776. Etihad Airways cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, while EgyptAir suspended services from Cairo and Alexandria to Riyadh while offering ticket modifications and refunds without extra fees. Additional regional disruptions included Saudia cancellations on routes originating from the Red Sea, Al-Dawadmi, and Jeddah, alongside flynas cancellations from Jeddah, Dammam, and Abha.
EU Agency Advises Against Overflying Saudi Airspace
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency widened its conflict zone bulletin to advise against overflying additional areas of Saudi airspace following the drone and missile strikes. The agency highlighted risks including projectile traffic, interception activity, falling debris, and potential misidentification between civil aircraft and defensive systems.
Simultaneously, aviation operators were advised to avoid flying over Saudi territory due to the risks associated with the conflict.
Diplomatic Responses and Washington’s Review of Potential Action
Outside the region, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed reporters outside the White House regarding whether the United States might join in Saudi military strikes against Houthi positions.
“Maybe we will, we will study the matter”
Donald Trump, U.S. President
Trump added that Washington had just learned of the latest attack and would move quickly to make a decision. Meanwhile, diplomatic missions including the U.S. embassy and the British embassy in Riyadh issued security alerts instructing their nationals to steer clear of King Khalid International Airport and its surrounding districts.
Economic Stakes Ahead of Major Investment and Energy Conferences in Riyadh
The transportation disruption coincides with preparations for high-profile gatherings in Riyadh focused on energy and investment, including the Future Investment Initiative summit designed to fuel Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 diversification program. Event organizers stated that the conferences would proceed as scheduled while attempting to reassure participants regarding safety measures.
Yemeni Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea stated that only humanitarian flights authorized and pre-cleared through the coordination center in Sanaa would be permitted access to Riyadh, while declaring the broader Saudi airspace an active military zone. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged citizens whose travel has been disrupted to stay in touch with diplomatic missions abroad for guidance as aviation authorities work to restore normal schedules.
