A Saudia aircraft was heavily damaged by fire while parked at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, October 8, amid a new wave of attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement. Based on the extensive damage visible in photographs circulating online, the aircraft appears likely to be a hull loss, although no official write-off has been announced.
Reuters reported that the aircraft caught fire while stationary near an airport terminal. Sources briefed on the incident told the news agency that the damage may have been caused by shrapnel from an intercepted missile or by a direct projectile impact. Video verified by Reuters showed a large plume of smoke rising from the airport. The aircraft was reportedly believed to be empty at the time, but information about possible injuries related to the fire was not immediately available.
The Houthis claimed to have launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport. Saudi authorities said missiles heading towards Riyadh had been intercepted, with falling debris reportedly damaging a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex in the capital. Officials have not confirmed whether the Saudia aircraft was directly hit or damaged by debris, and the precise cause of the fire remains unclear.
The incident comes amid escalating attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure. Earlier strikes affecting Riyadh and Abha airports reportedly killed three people and injured dozens. The attacks have also disrupted air travel, with widespread flight cancellations and international airlines, including Lufthansa and Air India, suspending services to Riyadh.
Saudia and Saudi authorities had not issued a detailed public account of the aircraft damage at the time of reporting.
? Une nouvelle attaque a visé l’aéroport international de Riyad en début d’après-midi, dans le cadre des frappes revendiquées par les Houthis.
?? Selon les premières informations et images circulant sur place, un Airbus de Saudia aurait été touché par un projectile et détruit au sol.
Une importante fumée a été observée autour de l’appareil.
— air plus news (@airplusnews) October 8, 2026
[…] Reuters reported that the aircraft caught fire while stationary near a terminal, with sources briefed on the incident telling the agency the damage may have been caused by shrapnel from an intercepted missile or by a direct projectile impact. Saudi officials have not clarified which of those occurred. […]
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