News
Riyadh airport reopens after an attack that killed a Saudia pilot, but many airlines stay away
Riyadh's airport is open again after attacks killed three, including a Saudia pilot. Lufthansa and others are still paused, and Delta is weighing its Oct. 23 launch.
By Patrick Karsh, Founder, Lounge Frog ·
Page updated October 2026.
This story was last updated Friday, October 9, 2026. Flight plans are changing quickly, so check with your airline before you travel.
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh is open again. Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said on Friday that operations had resumed and air traffic was back to normal. It also confirmed what it had not said a day earlier: Thursday's attacks hit the airport itself and a Saudia plane on the ground. Three people were killed, including a Saudia pilot.
This is a follow-up to our story from Thursday, Riyadh Airport Targeted as Houthi Missile Campaign Escalates. Here is what has changed since then.
What Saudi officials now confirm
GACA said Riyadh's airport was hit by two attacks on Thursday, October 8. The first struck airport facilities. The second struck a Saudia aircraft that was parked on the ground. Three Saudi citizens were killed. Several citizens and residents of other countries were hurt, with injuries ranging from minor to severe, and were taken to the hospital. GACA said it is working with security agencies to assess the damage.
Saudia said one of its pilots, Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, was among those killed. The airline said it "honors his memory with deep respect and appreciation." Saudia said no passengers were on board the damaged plane.
Saudia has not said what type of plane was hit. Several aviation outlets report that it was an Airbus A320 and that it was destroyed. Some reports say it was struck by debris from an intercepted missile rather than a direct hit. Officials have not said which is true.
GACA did not name who carried out Thursday's attacks. Yemen's Houthi movement claimed a ballistic missile strike on the airport that day.
A deadly week at Saudi airports
Thursday's deaths come on top of the earlier attacks this week. GACA said strikes on the Riyadh and Abha airports on Tuesday and Wednesday killed three civilians and injured 36. Based on GACA's figures, that makes at least six people killed at Saudi airports in three days. At least three more people were hurt in attacks on the Jazan and Najran airports, near the border with Yemen, Al Jazeera reported.
The Saudi-led coalition said on Friday that it destroyed three rocket launch platforms used by the Houthis. Spokesman Turki al-Maliki said attacks on civilians and civilian sites would be met with resolve. The Houthis have told airlines that any plane in Saudi airspace is a target, except over Mecca and Medina.
Flights: where things stand
Saudia said its Riyadh flights and operations were back to normal from 6 p.m. on Thursday. Many foreign airlines are still holding back.
- Lufthansa Group has paused Riyadh flights through at least October 16.
- Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air have canceled Riyadh flights through October 10. Air India Express is offering free rebooking or a full refund.
- IndiGo canceled its Riyadh flights through October 9 and has not confirmed when they will restart.
- Philippine Airlines has canceled Riyadh flights until at least October 11, Gulf News reported.
- Cathay Pacific had already canceled its Dubai and Riyadh flights through January 31.
- Singapore Airlines has pushed its planned launch to March 28, citing the conflict in the region.
- Air France and KLM have cut back Riyadh service, with no date yet for a full return.
Thursday was the worst day for travelers. Aviation data firm Cirium counted 169 of 378 planned Riyadh departures canceled or not flown, and 124 of 369 arrivals. Saudia alone canceled or did not fly 97 of its 140 Riyadh departures. Flynas, flyadeal and Riyadh Air were also hit. Cirium expected another 31 cancellations across Saudi airports on Friday, Gulf Business reported. Emirates and Etihad flew their Riyadh flights on Thursday, though Etihad's ran late.
Delta's Riyadh launch is now in question
Delta is due to start its Atlanta to Riyadh nonstop on October 23. It would be the first nonstop flight to Riyadh by a US airline. On Friday, CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC that "we were disappointed to see the news this week" and that "safety is going to make the call." He said Delta would tell customers its decision soon.
If you are booked on the new route, watch your email and the Fly Delta app. Delta has not yet announced a waiver.
What it means for lounges
With the airport open and Saudia flying a normal schedule, lounges at RUH should be operating. But a damaged plane, tighter security and a lighter schedule from foreign airlines can mean longer lines and changes at short notice. If you are flying business class or rely on a lounge for a long connection, plan for extra time at security.
If your airline has canceled, ask about rebooking through another Gulf hub. Emirates and Etihad kept flying to Riyadh on Thursday, and Qatar Airways ran most of its flights. Their home lounges in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the best in the region. See our guide to the Al Mourjan Business Lounge (The Garden) in Doha.
The US Embassy in Riyadh has told Americans to expect canceled flights and possible airspace closures. It advises checking your flight status directly with your airline and the airport before you leave.
We will keep updating this story as airlines change their plans.
Sources
Written and checked to our editorial standards. Scores follow our methodology. Join the discussion below.
