Saudi Capital Airport Hit by Explosions, Flights Halted

Flights to Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, have been suspended after explosions were heard in the city, including a significant blast at King Khalid International Airport ^[1]. Global flight-tracking service Flightradar24 reported that the airport "closed again" on Thursday afternoon, with no landings for over 80 minutes and no takeoffs for more than 90 minutes ^[2].

More than 275 flights, approximately 40% of scheduled arrivals and 30% of departures, were cancelled at King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, according to FlightAware ^[2].

Several international airlines have temporarily halted services to Riyadh. Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa Airlines, announced its flights to Riyadh would be suspended through 16 October due to "current developments in the Middle East" ^[2].

Indian carriers have also been affected, with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirming multiple suspensions. Air India cancelled its service to and from Riyadh until Saturday, stating it was "in the interest of safety" ^[2]. Budget airlines Akasa Air and IndiGo have likewise suspended their Riyadh flights through Saturday and Friday, respectively.

Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they fired a ballistic missile that caused damage to the airport ^[2]. A Houthi military spokesman later claimed additional ballistic and cruise missiles were fired at airports in both Riyadh and the southwestern city of Najran, asserting these attacks disrupted flights. Saudi Arabia has not yet commented on the Houthi claims. The story was first reported by Sky News and The Independent.