A deadly missile strike at Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has left at least 13 people dead, including an Indian national, and more than 300 injured.
The Riyadh Airport Attack, which took place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, has raised serious concerns about civilian safety and growing tensions in the Middle East.
The Indian victim has been identified in media reports as Mohammed Yousuf, a 46-year-old IT professional from Hyderabad. He was travelling with his family for the Umrah pilgrimage when the attack occurred.
Indian authorities confirmed that 10 other Indian nationals were injured. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is coordinating with Saudi officials and hospitals to assist the victims and their families.
What Happened at Riyadh International Airport?
The attack targeted King Khalid International Airport, one of Saudi Arabia’s busiest aviation hubs.
According to reports, a missile struck the airport on October 10, causing explosions, fires and widespread panic.
The strike affected airport facilities and forced authorities to suspend operations while emergency teams responded.
Saudi officials initially reported 12 deaths and more than 300 injuries.
The death toll later increased to 13 after an Indian national who had been injured in the attack died on October 11.
The incident is among the deadliest attacks on Saudi Arabian territory in recent years.
Emergency personnel transported injured passengers and airport workers to nearby hospitals.
Authorities also began inspecting the airport for structural damage and additional security threats.
Who Was the Indian National Killed in the Attack?
The Indian victim was identified as Mohammed Yousuf, a 46-year-old technology professional from Hyderabad, Telangana.
According to Indian media reports, Yousuf had travelled to Saudi Arabia with his family for Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage.
His wife, two sons and daughter were also injured during the incident.
Yousuf initially survived the attack but later died from his injuries.
The Indian Embassy expressed condolences to his family and confirmed that officials were helping arrange the return of his mortal remains to India.
The tragedy has caused concern among Indian families whose relatives live, work or travel in Saudi Arabia.
What Is the Condition of the Injured Indians?
The Indian Embassy has been monitoring the condition of Indian nationals injured in the attack.
According to updates reported on October 12:
- Three Indian nationals were receiving treatment in intensive care and were reported to be stable.
- Two injured Indians remained admitted to regular hospital wards.
- Other injured Indian nationals had been discharged after receiving medical treatment.
- Embassy officials were coordinating with hospitals and local authorities.
The condition of the injured may change as treatment continues.
Indian officials have assured affected families that assistance will remain available.
Who Is Responsible for the Riyadh Airport Attack?
Saudi authorities have blamed Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement for the recent attacks on Riyadh and other Saudi airports.
The Houthis have been involved in a long-running conflict with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.
The group has used missiles and drones to target infrastructure across the region.
Saudi Arabia has faced several attacks in recent days, including strikes affecting airports and other civilian facilities.
However, responsibility for each individual incident should be distinguished from broader claims about the conflict. The Houthis had claimed earlier attacks, while direct responsibility for some subsequent strikes was not immediately established.
The latest violence has increased fears of further escalation in the Middle East.
India Strongly Condemns Attacks on Saudi Arabia
The Indian government has condemned attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
In an official statement, India expressed solidarity with the Saudi government and offered condolences to families affected by the violence.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed grief over the death of the Indian national.
Indian authorities have emphasised that attacks endangering civilians and international travellers are unacceptable.
The Embassy of India in Riyadh continues to work with Saudi authorities to provide medical assistance and support to affected families.
Another Attack Hits Riyadh Airport
The October 10 missile strike was followed by another attack on Sunday, October 11.
According to Saudi aviation authorities, a projectile struck the airport again, killing one Pakistani national and injuring 11 others.
The second attack affected areas near the airport’s passenger terminals and prompted further safety inspections.
This was a separate incident from the Saturday attack that killed 13 people.
Repeated strikes have raised concerns about airport security and the safety of international flights.
Saudi authorities are assessing damage and reviewing the security situation before restoring normal operations.
How Could the Attacks Affect International Flights?
King Khalid International Airport is an important travel hub connecting Saudi Arabia with destinations across Asia, Europe and other regions.
Repeated attacks could affect airline schedules, passenger movement and airport operations.
Flights may face delays, cancellations or changes depending on security assessments.
Passengers travelling to or through Riyadh should check their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.
Travellers should also follow official instructions from Saudi aviation authorities and their respective embassies.
Why Does This Matter for India?
India and Saudi Arabia maintain strong economic and diplomatic relations.
Saudi Arabia is home to a large Indian community, including professionals, workers, business owners and their families.
The country is also an important destination for Indian pilgrims.
Any major security incident in Saudi Arabia can therefore affect Indian citizens directly.
The latest attack highlights the importance of timely travel advisories, emergency assistance and diplomatic coordination during regional conflicts.
What Happens Next?
Saudi authorities are continuing their investigation and security assessments following the attacks.
The Indian Embassy is monitoring injured citizens and assisting affected families.
Further updates are expected regarding airport operations, medical treatment and the broader security situation.
Conclusion
The Riyadh Airport Attack has caused significant loss of life and raised serious concerns about civilian safety in Saudi Arabia.
The death of Mohammed Yousuf and injuries to other Indian nationals highlight the human impact of the growing Middle East conflict.
As authorities investigate the strikes, the immediate priorities remain medical care, assistance to affected families and the safety of international travellers.
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