Flight disruption: Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air halt Riyadh flights after Houthi strike damages plane

On Thursday, Houthi missile strikes at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh caused severe damage to a Saudi Airlines plane parked at the terminal. The airport, which serves as a major hub for several airlines, was subsequently closed due to the incident. Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air suspended their flights to and from Riyadh, while Lufthansa also halted its services until October 16.

Over 275 flights were canceled, representing 40% of scheduled arrivals and 30% of scheduled departures. The Houthis claimed responsibility for three separate attacks on the airport with ballistic and cruise missiles, also threatening energy plants in the area. Saudi officials have not commented on the Houthi claims. The strikes come amid ongoing tensions in Yemen, where a civil war has resumed, and the Houthis have expanded their control over the Red Sea coast.