Houthi rocket sets plane ablaze in Riyadh, airport halts flights
Lufthansa and Air India delayed Riyadh routes, while nearly half of departing flights were canceled.
A Houthi projectile attack hit a Saudia Airlines plane at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday (8/10), sparking a fire and a temporary halt to flights. Reuters, citing three people familiar with the incident, reported that the aircraft, parked at the terminal, suffered heavy damage from debris from an intercepted missile or another projectile. The plane was not carrying passengers. Witnesses heard a loud blast in the airport area, while Reuters-verified video showed thick black smoke and flames. Saudi officials also said missile debris struck a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh. The incident followed Houthi attacks on the Riyadh and Abha airports that, according to Saudi authorities, killed three people and wounded 36 others. The Houthi said the attack was in response to Saudi support for Yemeni government forces.