Riyadh airport evacuated after fresh explosions, officials say

The airport was cleared and air traffic halted as authorities responded to the latest strike, with no immediate claim of responsibility.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 16:54:25 GMT

Two regional officials said Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was attacked again on Saturday, prompting an evacuation and a halt to air traffic, according to reports from the Associated Press cited by CityNews, The Independent and the Winnipeg Free Press.

What happened

The latest strike occurred on 10 Oct 2026, with one official stating the airport was evacuated and another confirming that all flights were stopped. Residents in the capital reported hearing at least two loud explosions. The incident follows a series of attacks on the airport that began on 8 Oct, including missile strikes that killed three Saudi citizens.

What the reports add

CityNews noted that the officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to address the media, and that Canada’s embassy warned of “ongoing military activity.” The Independent repeated the same details about the anonymous officials and the evacuation, adding that the Saudi government‑run Center for International Communication had not responded to requests for comment. The Winnipeg Free Press emphasized that one official specifically said the airport had been evacuated, while another said air traffic had stopped, and it also quoted a resident, Ahmed Sayed, who heard the explosions.

What was said

Ahmed Sayed, a Riyadh resident, told the Associated Press that he heard “at least two loud explosions” rocking the capital, as reported by the Winnipeg Free Press. Canada’s embassy issued a statement warning of “ongoing military activity,” cited by CityNews.

How it came about

The latest attack follows a week of heightened activity after a Saudi‑led coalition launched a major offensive against Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Houthi forces claimed responsibility for earlier strikes, including a Wednesday attack that killed a Sudanese national. Felo’s earlier coverage documented the 8 Oct explosions (explosions heard at Riyadh airport as flights halted) and the reopening of the airport after the 8 Oct strikes (Saudi Arabia reopens Riyadh airport after Houthi missile strikes kill three). The pattern of repeated assaults underscores the volatile security situation around the capital’s main transport hub.

Key facts

Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was evacuated on 10 Oct 2026 after new explosions. (toronto.citynews.ca)
Air traffic to the airport was stopped following the latest attack. (independent.co.uk)
Two regional officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed the evacuation and traffic halt. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Resident Ahmed Sayed reported hearing at least two loud explosions. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Canada’s embassy warned of ongoing military activity. (toronto.citynews.ca)