Riyadh Air has reportedly moved its Boeing 787 Dreamliners to safer locations after a series of Houthi missile and drone attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The airport remains closed while Saudi authorities assess damage, inspect facilities and verify operational readiness, disrupting hundreds of flights and creating immediate aircraft-positioning and schedule-planning challenges for the start-up carrier.
The attacks killed at least 18 people across several incidents, including 13 or 14 during a weekend strike that also injured more than 300. A subsequent projectile impact killed one person and wounded 11 others, according to Saudi authorities. The Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for multiple attacks involving ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, and warned airlines against using Saudi airports or airspace.
Saudi aviation authorities extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport until at least 17 October. The closure is intended to allow safety inspections and checks of the airport’s operational readiness. Investigations are also examining how projectiles reached the airport despite Saudi air defences.
Several carriers have suspended or altered services. Qatar Airways temporarily halted flights to Riyadh and Dammam, while widespread cancellations and delays affected hundreds of services. Riyadh Air’s reported precautionary relocation of its Dreamliners has not been publicly confirmed by the airline, and the number, destinations and timing of the aircraft movements remain unclear.