Saudi airport attacked again: Missile strike reported, many wounded passengers evacuated, flights diverted

A missile strike hit a major Saudi airport on Saturday evening, causing significant damage, injuring dozens of passengers and crew and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people. The blast, which occurred on the runway of the King Khalid International Airport near Riyadh, shattered a long‑range runway segment and destroyed several parked aircraft. The event, which took place at around 18:30 local time, prompted the immediate diversion of scheduled flights, the cancellation of a number of arrivals and departures, and the activation of the national emergency response system.Saudi authorities, following the attack, mobilised the Royal Saudi Air Force’s missile‑defence units and deployed a rapid‑response ground team to secure the site..

Emergency services rushed to the scene, attending to wounded individuals and setting up triage stations in the terminal’s lobby. By the time the first casualties were transported to the nearby King Fahd Hospital, the airport had already begun a systematic evacuation, with passengers guided through alternate routes to avoid the damaged runway area.In the hours that followed, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that all flights scheduled to land or take off between 19:00 and 22:00 were redirected to alternative airports, including Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International in Jeddah and King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah, to avoid further risk. Airlines such as Saudi Arabian Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways issued statements urging passengers to remain calm and to follow the instructions of airport staff..

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) also issued a notice of a potential security incident at King Khalid, urging airlines to exercise heightened vigilance.The Houthi movement in Yemen, known for targeting Saudi infrastructure, has not yet issued a statement acknowledging responsibility for the attack. In the weeks following the incident, the movement has historically claimed responsibility for drone and missile strikes on Saudi facilities, but it has also sometimes denied involvement in high‑profile attacks. No independent source has confirmed the origin of the missile, and Saudi intelligence is reportedly investigating whether the device was a surface‑to‑air missile or a rocket launched from Yemen’s Red Sea coast.The airport’s chief security officer, Major General Abdulrahman Al‑Zahrani, told reporters that the blast “has caused extensive structural damage to the runway and surrounding areas” and that the damage had “significantly impacted the airport’s operational capacity.” He added that “the safety of passengers and staff remains our top priority” and that the airport’s contingency plans had been activated without delay..

Al‑Zahrani also indicated that the airport had been prepared for a potential security breach, citing drills that had been carried out earlier that week in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the National Guard.Medical estimates from the Saudi Ministry of Health indicate that at least 45 people were injured, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries that required hospitalization. A preliminary report from the airport’s medical team lists 12 patients as having been transferred to the King Fahd Hospital for intensive care, where doctors are treating multiple traumatic injuries. The most severe injuries include a fractured femur, a broken pelvis, and a severe concussion..

The hospital’s spokesperson confirmed that the patients were stable and that the medical team was working to provide comprehensive care, noting that the severity of the injuries was largely dependent on the proximity of the victims to the point of impact.The evacuation of passengers was carried out in an orderly fashion, with staff using the airport’s emergency evacuation routes and the public address system to guide people. A number of passengers who were traveling to Hajj and Umrah were among those affected by the diversion. According to the Ministry of Hajj, 320 pilgrims were redirected to the Jeddah airports, where they were provided with accommodation and transportation to the holy sites..

The Ministry of Interior issued a statement thanking the emergency services for their swift action and emphasizing the importance of maintaining calm and cooperation among the public during such incidents.In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the airport’s security cameras captured a series of shots depicting the missile striking the runway, the resulting fireball, and the subsequent impact on nearby aircraft. The footage, which was later released to the public, shows a small aircraft being engulfed in flames, though fortunately the pilot managed to land safely in a nearby grass field. The footage has been shared widely on social media platforms, sparking widespread concern and speculation about the capabilities of the missile and the strategic intent behind the attack.The incident has prompted an international discussion about the security of aviation infrastructure in conflict zones..

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a brief, noting that “attacks on civil aviation infrastructure not only threaten human life but also have far‑reaching economic impacts on the affected country.” The OCHA has called on all parties to respect the principles of international humanitarian law and to protect civilian infrastructure from armed attacks.Saudi Arabia has responded by announcing a review of its air defence systems, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Yemen’s Houthi rebels. In a statement by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, it was confirmed that the air force will deploy additional missile interceptors in the region and that the government will strengthen security protocols at all civilian airports. The Crown Prince also said that the government is “determined to safeguard the safety and security of all Saudi citizens and visitors, and to ensure the continuous operation of our vital infrastructure.”The regional impact of the strike is already evident..

The diversion of flights has disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers and caused delays in cargo shipments. Airlines have expressed concerns about the potential for further disruptions and have called on the Saudi government to expedite the repair of the runway. The airport’s chief engineer, Dr..

Omar Al‑Hussain, announced that the runway repairs would be conducted over the next 48 hours, with the goal of restoring full operational capacity by Monday morning. The airport’s official website is now providing real‑time updates on the status of the runway and the availability of alternative flight routes.The international community has reacted with calls for restraint and accountability. The United States Department of State issued a statement urging all parties to avoid actions that threaten civilian infrastructure and to abide by international law..

The European Union has also expressed concern, with its foreign policy office stating that “the protection of civilian life and property must remain paramount.” The United Nations Security Council has scheduled a meeting to discuss the incident, with a view to assessing the broader implications for regional stability.As the investigation continues, the Saudi government has called for cooperation from the international community in providing technical assistance and forensic expertise to determine the origin of the missile. The Ministry of Interior has indicated that a joint task force, involving intelligence agencies from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), will lead the forensic analysis..