Lufthansa and Indian airlines suspend Riyadh flights after Houthi fire on Saudi airports
Reuters reported that Lufthansa and Indian airlines have suspended flights to Riyadh after Houthi attacks on Saudi airports. AP reported that the Houthis claimed a new attack on the airport in the Saudi capital and that a witness described an evacuation. Reuters also reported smoke rising from an aircraft at Riyadh airport. Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara is weighing support for Saudi defence and ruled out an offensive role, and Syria said it was considering help in Yemen. Casualty figures were reported earlier in the week, and we have not matched the latest ones.
Gulf aviation and energy infrastructure are now being hit directly, which feeds the oil price and raises the cost of travel.
If you are due to fly to or via Riyadh, check with your airline. Foreign Office travel advice is the place to look for updates.
The sign to watch is whether more carriers follow Lufthansa. A wider suspension would hit Gulf hubs that British travellers use.
DailyDrop U.K. edition No. 5 · Morning · FRI., OCT. 9, 2026