HOUTHI MISSILES HIT RIYADH AIRPORT, AIR INDIA GROUNDS THE

HOUTHI MISSILES HIT RIYADH AIRPORT, AIR INDIA GROUNDS THE ROUTE

Iran-backed Houthi militants claimed a ballistic missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday. Smoke rose from a stationary aircraft. Saudi authorities said the missiles were intercepted. Airlines pulled out anyway.

Air India and Air India Express canceled all flights to and from Riyadh through October 10. An Air India Express spokesperson said: “In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until 10 October. Affected guests are being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation.” A Delhi-Riyadh Air India flight turned back mid-route.

Lufthansa suspended Riyadh flights through October 16. IndiGo and Philippine Airlines also canceled services. Cirium data showed about 45 percent of Riyadh departures grounded by mid-afternoon. Recent Houthi strikes on Saudi airports have killed three people and injured dozens, according to Bloomberg and Gulf News.

The Houthis renewed their warning that they could force Saudi airspace closed. India’s embassy told nationals to stay alert and follow Saudi instructions. Civilian airports are now on the target list of an Iranian proxy. Carriers are treating the threat as real.HOUTHI MISSILES HIT RIYADH AIRPORT, AIR INDIA GROUNDS THE ROUTE

Iran-backed Houthi militants claimed a ballistic missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday. Smoke rose from a stationary aircraft. Saudi authorities said the missiles were intercepted. Airlines pulled out anyway.

Air India and Air India Express canceled all flights to and from Riyadh through October 10. An Air India Express spokesperson said: “In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until 10 October. Affected guests are being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation.” A Delhi-Riyadh Air India flight turned back mid-route.

Lufthansa suspended Riyadh flights through October 16. IndiGo and Philippine Airlines also canceled services. Cirium data showed about 45 percent of Riyadh departures grounded by mid-afternoon. Recent Houthi strikes on Saudi airports have killed three people and injured dozens, according to Bloomberg and Gulf News.

The Houthis renewed their warning that they could force Saudi airspace closed. India’s embassy told nationals to stay alert and follow Saudi instructions. Civilian airports are now on the target list of an Iranian proxy. Carriers are treating the threat as real.