A missile attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10 killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, according to Saudi authorities as reported by AP and Reuters.
Saudi Arabia | Updated October 13, 2026
Latest update: The Associated Press reported that Saudi Arabia is investigating how its air-defence systems failed to prevent the deadly Riyadh airport attack. AP also reported that the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh on Monday, while the Houthis later claimed to have targeted King Khalid International Airport and warned airlines against using most Saudi airports. These claims are attributed to the parties and news reports; independent verification and further official updates remain important.
Reuters reported on October 13 that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was expected to remain closed until October 17 as authorities continued safety and operational-readiness procedures following the attacks. Qatar Airways also temporarily suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam. Travellers should check directly with airlines for current schedules.
One Indian national died and several others were injured in the October 10 projectile attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, according to the Indian Embassy and reports citing officials. The Embassy said it was in contact with the deceased person’s family and assisting with arrangements, including repatriation of the mortal remains.
The Indian Express reported on October 13 that the deceased was Mohammed Yousuf, a 46-year-old IT professional from Hyderabad who was travelling with his family for Umrah. The report said his wife and children were also injured. It reported that three injured Indians remained in intensive care but were stable, two others were in regular hospital wards, and others had been discharged. Those medical details reflect the latest reporting available at the time of this update and may change.
The Indian Express also reported that a Telangana airport worker, Sheikh Saeed, was in intensive care after initially being reported missing following the attack. His condition and identity should be followed through official statements and reliable updates rather than unverified social-media posts.
Separate attacks and casualty figures
The reported Indian fatality relates to the October 10 attack. The Associated Press separately reported that a projectile struck the Riyadh airport passenger terminal on October 11, killing one Pakistani national and injuring 11 people. Saudi authorities also said King Fahd International Airport in Dammam had been targeted. These are separate incidents; their casualty figures should not be combined.
Support and travel advice
The Indian Embassy has said it is assisting affected families and coordinating with local authorities. Indians travelling through Saudi Arabia should check flight status directly with their airline, follow airport instructions and monitor embassy advisories. Anyone seeking assistance should use official Embassy of India contact channels and avoid sharing unverified casualty claims or private details about affected families.
Sources
- Reuters: Riyadh airport to remain closed until October 17 as airlines cancel services (October 12, 2026)
- Reuters: Qatar Airways suspends Riyadh and Dammam flights (October 13, 2026)
- The Associated Press: Saudi Arabia investigates air-defence response to deadly Riyadh airport attack
- The Indian Express: One Indian dead, Indians receiving treatment after Riyadh airport attack (October 13, 2026)
- Reuters: Indian national injured in Riyadh airport attack dies, embassy says (October 11, 2026)
- The Associated Press: Second projectile strikes Riyadh airport terminal (October 11, 2026)
- Saudi Press Agency: Attack targets King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (October 11, 2026)
Reporting note: Medical status and casualty information can change. Claims about missile launches and interceptions are attributed to the reporting parties. This report distinguishes the October 10 Riyadh attack from later incidents. Airport closure and airline schedules should be checked before travel.
