The Daily PulseGeneral
Air India Express halts Riyadh flights till Oct 10 after Houthi missile claim
Reported by Rohit Yadav (Staff Writer) · Hindustan Times - India ·
Confirmed by a second source: Times of India - Top Stories
Photo: Wikimedia CommonsAir India Express has suspended all flights to and from Riyadh until October 10 after the airline cited heightened security concerns following a Houthi claim of a ballistic missile strike on King Khalid International Airport.
What Happened
The airline said passengers can either reschedule their trips at no cost or receive a full refund. A company spokesperson told Hindustan Times that the decision will stay in place while the situation evolves.
Reaction
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced that the group had targeted King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile, disrupting operations. Saudi authorities confirmed attacks on both King Khalid and Abha International Airport, killing three civilians and injuring 36 (two dead, 28 injured in Abha; one dead, eight injured in Riyadh). India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attacks as "completely unacceptable," offered condolences to victims' families, and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Context
Such attacks have prompted the Saudi‑led coalition to say it destroyed 82 Houthi targets across four Yemeni provinces, and several Riyadh businesses switched to work‑from‑home as explosions rattled the capital.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
Air India Express stopped all Riyadh flights after Houthi rebels claimed a missile strike on King Khalid International Airport, causing operational disruption.
Why It Matters
The strike highlights the spill‑over risk of the Yemen conflict into Saudi civilian infrastructure, prompting airlines to reassess safety and leading to travel disruptions for passengers and businesses. India’s condemnation underscores diplomatic sensitivities, as both India and Saudi Arabia have strong economic ties.
What Happens Next
Authorities will monitor further Houthi activity and may issue more travel advisories. The Saudi‑led coalition’s claim of destroying 82 Houthi targets suggests ongoing military response, but the security outlook remains uncertain, so airlines could extend cancellations if threats persist.
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