Overview
- Reports of explosions over Riyadh and claims by Houthi fighters that King Khalid International was struck prompted immediate operational disruption on Thursday, October 8.
- Air India and Air India Express cancelled all Riyadh services through October 10 and offered affected passengers full refunds or complimentary rebooking.
- Akasa and Saudia cancelled Kochi–Riyadh flights and Cochin International Airport confirmed two specific cancellations, with airlines advising travellers to contact customer service for alternatives.
- An Air India Delhi–Riyadh flight (AI2243) turned back to Delhi on Thursday and was cancelled as carriers assessed airspace safety after Saudi authorities said they had intercepted ballistic missiles.
- The strikes form part of a wider Houthi campaign tied to the Yemen conflict and could cause further disruption to Gulf air and maritime routes if hostilities continue.