Saudia A320 Damaged in Riyadh Missile Attack; Flights Suspended

Simple Flying reports that a Saudia Airbus A320 caught fire while parked at a terminal at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Thursday after a Houthi missile attack. The Iran-backed group claimed responsibility for targeting the airport with a ballistic missile, though Saudi authorities have not confirmed that its projectile directly struck the aircraft. The aircraft was believed to be empty of passengers, but the explosion and subsequent fire caused extensive damage, according to three people briefed on the incident who spoke to Reuters.

Aviation analytics firm Cirium recorded 293 canceled or nonoperating flights at Riyadh on Thursday, about 39% of scheduled arrivals and departures. FlightAware reported more than 450 canceled or delayed flights by the end of the day. Saudia alone saw 162 cancellations and 108 delays, covering more than three quarters of its operations. Low-cost carriers flyadeal and flynas also suffered heavy disruption.

Which airlines suspended flights

Several international carriers moved quickly to halt service. Lufthansa Group suspended all Riyadh flights through October 16. Air India and Akasa Air canceled flights through October 10, and IndiGo suspended operations through October 9. An Air India flight returning from Delhi was forced to turn back. Philippine Airlines also canceled Riyadh services through at least October 10. Cathay Pacific, which had already suspended Riyadh flights, extended that suspension to January 31, 2027. Singapore Airlines postponed its planned return to Riyadh until March 28.

Meanwhile, Gulf carriers including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways continued their schedules at the time of writing, despite the escalating security situation. That decision puts passengers and crew at potential risk while the airport remains under threat from further attacks.

Delta's planned launch and Riyadh Air's challenge

The timing is especially bad for Delta Air Lines, which plans to launch nonstop Atlanta-Riyadh service on October 23. Simple Flying notes that Delta President Peter Carter acknowledged in July that advance bookings were "softer than anticipated." The attack will only complicate Delta's assessment of operational safety and commercial demand. Delta has not announced a postponement.

Riyadh Air, the kingdom's new carrier, already faces its first major operational crisis. All 15 of its routes touch Riyadh, and continued attacks on its home airport will undermine its reliability and credibility. While Riyadh Air has deep pockets, the damage to Riyadh's reputation as an emerging connecting hub risks derailing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions.

For travellers, the situation is clear: if you have tickets to or from Riyadh, check your airline's website immediately. Many airlines are issuing waivers and refunds, but you need to act before your flight is cancelled.

• airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Flight Disruptions
• Missile Attack
• Riyadh
• Saudia