Riyadh Airport Attack: One Indian Dead And Ten Injured In Houthi Strike

The security situation in the Middle East has escalated Notably following a series of missile attacks by Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In a tragic development for the Indian community, it has been confirmed that one Indian national has lost his life due to injuries sustained during these strikes, while the victim was among those wounded in an attack that took place on 10 October, and he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. On top of that, 10 other Indian citizens were injured in the same incident and are currently receiving medical attention. The total death toll from the recent wave of violence has now reached 13, as the region grapples with the consequences of the ongoing conflict.

Second Consecutive Day of Attacks on Riyadh

Houthi rebels continued their offensive for a second consecutive day on Sunday, once again targeting the King Khalid International Airport. Reports indicate that an unidentified missile struck Passenger Terminal 4, resulting in a fire at the facility. The Saudi-led military coalition, which is currently engaged in operations against Houthi forces in Yemen, confirmed the strike. According to coalition statements, their air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile in the vicinity of the airport. While the attack on Terminal 4 caused significant alarm and physical damage, there were no immediate reports of fresh casualties from this specific Sunday incident. However, the threat remains high as rebels have threatened further strikes across the country.

Diplomatic Response and Indian Embassy Actions

India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S, while jaishankar, has expressed concern over the situation and assured that the Indian government is monitoring the developments closely. He stated that the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens during this difficult time. The Minister urged the Indian diaspora and travelers to stay informed by following the official updates and advisories issued by the embassy, while the diplomatic mission is working to provide assistance to the injured and coordinate with local authorities regarding the deceased Indian national.

Major Flight Disruptions at Kochi Airport

The instability in Saudi Arabia has had a direct impact on international aviation, particularly at the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in Kerala. Due to the prevailing security conditions, several airlines have decided to cancel their flight operations between Kochi and various destinations in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. CIAL reported that a total of 10 flights have been cancelled over a three-day period from 11 October to 13 October. On Sunday alone, the affected services included a Flynas flight between Kochi and Riyadh, two Air India Express flights between Kochi and Doha, and Akasa Air flights to Riyadh and Jeddah. An IndiGo flight to Ras Al Khaimah was also among the cancelled services.

Impact on Akasa Air and Future Schedule

The cancellations are set to continue into the coming days. For 12 October, Akasa Air has cancelled its flights from Jeddah to Kochi and Riyadh to Kochi, along with a departure from Kochi to Riyadh. Also, an Akasa Air flight scheduled for 13 October from Riyadh to Kochi has also been called off. Out of the 10 total cancellations reported by CIAL, 5 belong to Akasa Air. This massive disruption has left hundreds of passengers stranded and seeking alternative travel arrangements. The airport authorities in Riyadh have also extended the closure of the main international airport as a safety precaution against the threat of further aerial attacks.

Casualty Statistics and Houthi Claims

The human cost of the conflict continues to rise on both sides. Prior to the latest fatality, a missile attack had already resulted in 12 deaths and left more than 300 people injured. Meanwhile, the Houthi-controlled health ministry in Yemen has released its own statistics, claiming that 91 Yemenis have been killed and 168 injured in attacks by the Saudi-led coalition over the past five weeks. The ministry alleged that 60 percent of these victims were women and children. As international leaders condemn the strikes on Riyadh, the Houthi rebels have pointed to recent air strikes in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, blaming Saudi Arabia for the escalation, while the situation remains a high-stakes military standoff with significant civilian impact.