Riyadh Airport Targeted By Houthi Missile: Air India Express, Akasa Air Cancel Flights | World News

Last Updated:October 08, 2026, 19:09 IST

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Air India Express and Akasa Air on Thursday evening cancelled flights to and from Riyadh amid an escalating security situation in the Saudi capital, after Yemen’s Houthis claimed to have targeted the city’s King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile.

Air India Express said it had cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until October 10, citing the “evolving situation in the region”. The airline said affected passengers would be offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation.

Akasa Air also cancelled its QP 523 Kochi-Riyadh and QP 524 Riyadh-Kochi flights scheduled for October 8, citing the evolving security situation in Riyadh. Passengers can opt for a full refund or reschedule their travel at no additional cost.

The flight cancellations came after Yemen’s Houthi rebels said they had again targeted Riyadh airport on Thursday. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group’s forces targeted King Khalid International Airport at midday with a ballistic missile, claiming that the missile “hit its target”.

The claim came after the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis said it had intercepted two missiles fired towards Riyadh.

There was no immediate independent confirmation of the Houthi claim that the missile hit the airport.

Meanwhile, King Khalid International Airport asked passengers to contact their airlines directly and check their flight status before proceeding to the airport, after multiple explosions were heard over Riyadh on Thursday.

“We would like to inform passengers of the necessity to contact their airlines directly and check their flight status before proceeding to the airport,” the airport said in a statement posted on X.

Akasa Air said it was monitoring and assessing the situation on a real-time basis and would notify passengers of further changes, adding that the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew remained its highest priority.

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Which airlines cancelled flights to and from Riyadh following the recent security escalation?

Air India Express and Akasa Air cancelled their flights to and from Riyadh on Thursday evening due to the escalating security situation in the Saudi capital after a ballistic missile attack.

What options do affected passengers have for cancelled Air India Express and Akasa Air flights?

Affected passengers can choose to receive a full refund or opt for complimentary rescheduling at no extra cost.

What instructions did King Khalid International Airport issue to passengers following the explosions?

King Khalid International Airport advised passengers to get in touch with their airlines directly to verify their flight status before heading to the airport.

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About the Author

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a chief sub editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has …Read More

First Published:

October 08, 2026, 19:09 IST

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