Saudia Airlines Pilot Among 3 Killed In Houthi Attacks On Riyadh Airport As Yemen War Escalates

Last Updated:October 10, 2026, 03:15 IST

The airlines also said one of its aircraft was damaged while parked at the airport, but no passengers were on board.

Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami was killed in the attacks carried out on Thursday, the Saudi national carrier confirmed. (Photos via X)

A Saudia Airlines pilot was among three people killed in Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Saudi authorities said on Friday, as the conflict in Yemen intensified and spread into the neighbouring kingdom.

Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami was killed in the attacks carried out on Thursday, the Saudi national carrier confirmed. Saudia also said one of its aircraft was damaged while parked at the airport, but no passengers were on board.

Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said two attacks targeting the airport and a Saudia aircraft had resulted in the deaths of three Saudi citizens.

The strikes disrupted air travel, with several flights delayed or cancelled. Explosions were heard across the capital, while diplomats were instructed to shelter in place and international schools took precautionary measures.

Damage Reported Across Riyadh

Saudi civil defence officials said debris from intercepted missiles damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh. The attacks raised concerns about the safety of civilian infrastructure as the conflict between Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis and the Saudi-supported government escalated.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree appeared to suggest that flights operating to and from Riyadh would require approval from a coordinating body in Sanaa.

“Humanitarian flights to and from Riyadh Airport will be permitted for all flights authorised” by the body, he said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Houthi-affiliated media reported that Saudi strikes on Sanaa airport had killed two people. Yemen’s civil defence agency also reported fires following Saudi air strikes, including one that it said destroyed a factory.

Fighting Intensifies Near Key Shipping Route

The latest attacks come as Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces attempt to regain territory along the Red Sea coast, including areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital route for international shipping.

A Yemeni military source told AFP that government forces had launched a major operation in the region with Saudi air support, but warned that fighting remained fierce and territorial gains were limited. Houthi-affiliated media said an attack by government forces had been repelled.

The Houthis have also warned workers to evacuate Saudi oil facilities after striking a major refinery south of Riyadh in recent days.

(With inputs from AFP)

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What casualties were reported in the Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s airport?

Three people were killed, including a Saudia Airlines pilot named Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami, following attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.

Which civilian facilities were damaged by missile debris in Riyadh?

Saudi civil defence officials reported that debris from intercepted missiles damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh.

Where is the fighting intensifying along Yemen’s coast?

Fighting is intensifying as Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces attempt to regain territory along the Red Sea coast, including areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

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