An Air India flight flying from New Delhi to Riyadh returned before reaching its destination after Houthi rebels claimed a missile attack on King Khalid International Airport. The development has disrupted services between India and the Saudi capital.
Air India and Air India Express have stopped flights to and from Riyadh until 10 October 2026, according to airline officials. IndiGo and Akasa Air have also cancelled their Riyadh flights.
Riyadh airport issues travel alert
King Khalid International Airport issued a travel alert for passengers on 8 October. It asked travellers to contact their airline directly before leaving for the airport and confirm the latest status of their flight.
The airport also appealed for passenger cooperation. The alert increased concern among people travelling to and from Riyadh. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia shared the airport's advisory on X.
Flight activity was temporarily disrupted
FlightRadar24 reported on X at 4:29 AM PM Indian time that no flight had landed at Riyadh airport during the previous 80 minutes. It also said no aircraft had departed from the airport for 90 minutes.
Later information indicated that flight operations at Riyadh airport had resumed. The available report did not provide further details about the duration or scale of the disruption.
Houthis claim missile attack
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels operating in Yemen claimed that they had targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with a missile attack. The report presents the airport strike as a Houthi claim rather than an independently confirmed outcome.
The Houthis have previously claimed attacks against Saudi military sites and airports. On Wednesday, they also claimed a missile attack on an airport in Yemen's port city of Aden.
The group further claimed attacks on several military positions in Saudi Arabia's south-western region. The report did not provide independent confirmation of those claims.
For passengers, airlines and the airport have advised checking flight status directly before travelling. The current suspension announced by Air India and Air India Express covers services until 10 October 2026.
Conclusion
An Air India flight returned to New Delhi after a Houthi missile-attack claim involving Riyadh airport. Air India and Air India Express have suspended Riyadh services until 10 October 2026, while passengers have been asked to verify flight information with their airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why did the Air India flight return?
The flight returned after Houthi rebels claimed a missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
Q. Until when are Air India and Air India Express flights suspended?
Their Riyadh flights are suspended until 10 October 2026.
Q. Which other airlines cancelled Riyadh flights?
IndiGo and Akasa Air also cancelled their Riyadh flights.
Q. What did Riyadh airport advise passengers to do?
Passengers were asked to contact their airline directly and confirm the flight status before going to the airport.
Q. Was flight activity later resumed at Riyadh airport?
Later information indicated that flights from Riyadh airport had resumed.
Q. What did FlightRadar24 report?
It reported that no flight had landed at the airport for 80 minutes and no aircraft had departed for 90 minutes at the time of its update.
