Houthi missile attacks shut Riyadh King Khalid airport, flights cancelled

Since 6 Oct 2026 · Checked 11 Oct 2026, 17:00 UTC

Houthi missile and drone attacks have repeatedly struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The 8 October attack killed three people including a Saudia captain, and the airport reopened on 9 October. A further attack on 10 October was reported to have killed at least 12 and halted flights. Airlines continue to cancel or suspend Riyadh flights, and Delta's planned 23 October Atlanta-Riyadh launch is in doubt.

What travellers should do

Check with your airline before travelling to or via Riyadh, as flights may be cancelled or retimed at short notice. Consider rebooking or avoiding Riyadh connections where possible.

Your rights if your flight is affected

  • Cancelled flight: you can usually choose a full refund or a new flight, even when the cancellation isn't the airline's fault. Ask for a refund to your original payment, not just a voucher.
  • Flights departing the EU or UK, or flown by an EU or UK airline into them: on top of a refund you may be owed €250–€600 (or £220–£520) for a cancellation with less than 14 days' notice, or a delay of 3 hours or more on arrival.
  • No compensation is due for extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, security threats, airport or airspace closures and air traffic control strikes. Strikes by the airline's own staff usually do count.
  • While you wait, airlines covered by EU and UK rules must provide meals and, if needed, a hotel. Keep receipts for anything you pay yourself.

Airports affected

Airlines affected

Sources: Houthi attack on Riyadh airport killed three Saudi nationals

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