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Houthi strikes on Saudi airports prompt Foreign Office intervention as tensions rise again in the Middle East

Middle East
James Chapple
12 October 2026

The Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia's capital following a series of deadly strikes on its main international airport.

King Khalid International airport in Riyadh
iStock / winhorse

King Khalid International airport in Riyadh

King Khalid International was first targeted by Yemen's Houthis at around 3pm local time on Saturday (10 October). Further attacks followed on Sunday (11 October).

Thirteen people were killed and hundreds injured in the first strike on the terminal, the BBC reports, with the second claiming another life and causing further injury.

The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, have claimed responsibility for the attacks and others on other airports in Saudi Arabia. They have warned airlines and passengers against using the country's airports and airspace, according to the BBC.