An Air India flight travelling from Delhi to Riyadh turned back midway on Thursday after reports of a Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia’s capital, prompting Air India and Air India Express to suspend flights
to and from Riyadh until October 10.
The development came as several explosions were heard across Riyadh, including a blast near King Khalid International Airport.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis later claimed they had targeted the airport with a ballistic missile, while Saudi Arabia said its forces intercepted missiles fired towards the capital.
Delhi-Riyadh Flight Turns Back
The Air India flight, AI2243, had taken off from Delhi and was flying towards Riyadh when the aircraft was turned around and began its journey back to the Indian capital.
The decision came amid heightened concerns over the security situation around Riyadh and its airport. Flight-tracking data lists AI2243 as a Delhi-Riyadh service scheduled on Thursday.
The turnaround followed reports of explosions in Riyadh and the Houthi claim that it had launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport.
Air India, Air India Express Suspend Riyadh Operations
Following the incident, Air India and Air India Express suspended their operations to and from Riyadh until October 10.
The airlines are taking the precautionary step amid the rapidly changing security situation in and around the Saudi capital. The suspension is expected to affect passengers travelling between India and Riyadh during the period.
The move comes after the airline’s Delhi-Riyadh service was forced to turn back while en route to Saudi Arabia.
Houthis Claim Attack On Riyadh Airport
The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the latest attack, with military spokesman Yahya Saree saying the group had targeted King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile.
The Houthis claimed the missile had hit its target. However, there was no immediate independent confirmation of the claim.
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki said coalition forces had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles fired towards Riyadh. He also said another ballistic missile aimed at Khamis Mushait, in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the Yemen border, had been destroyed.
Airport Advises Passengers To Check Flight Status
King Khalid International Airport advised passengers to contact their airlines and check their flight status before travelling to the airport.
The advisory came after multiple explosions were heard over Riyadh. A witness told The Associated Press that smoke was visible and fire and ambulance crews had been deployed in the area.
Outgoing flights were also halted, with passengers reportedly asked to leave their checked-in luggage and evacuate the airport.
Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 said the airport had “closed again” on Thursday, reporting that the last landing had taken place more than 80 minutes earlier.
Fresh Attacks Add To Saudi Security Concerns
The latest incident follows attacks on Saudi airports earlier this week. Saudi authorities said King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport were targeted on October 6 and 7.
Three people were killed and 36 injured across the two attacks, according to Saudi officials. One person was killed and eight injured in the Riyadh attack, while two people were killed and 28 wounded at Abha.
The latest escalation has also disrupted air travel and raised fresh concerns for airlines operating in the region.
