Riyadh airport attack kills 12 and wounds 309; the Houthis claim it and warn airlines off Saudi airports
Saudi civil aviation authorities said at least 12 people were killed and 309 injured in a Saturday attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh (AP, CNA). The Straits Times said it was the third strike in a week, and the Houthis claimed responsibility and renewed a warning to airlines, travellers and airport workers to avoid Saudi airports (Reuters). AP reported the airport closure was extended and Reuters said Saudi stocks slid. Rubio condemned the attack, and Singapore's Zaqy Mohamad said targeting civilians "cannot be justified" (Straits Times). The Financial Times reported BP and others skipped the World Petroleum Council's energy congress in Riyadh. A Houthi claim of strikes on Dammam airport and Aramco sites had no immediate Saudi confirmation.
Attacks on civilian airports raise the risk of a wider Gulf war, and Saudi Arabia is a key oil exporter and a major hub for flights to Asia.
If you plan to fly via Saudi airports, check with your airline. Oil prices are the other channel that reaches Singapore readers.
Rubio said the US stands with Saudi Arabia, and a defence secretary called the attack a "dangerous escalation".
Analysts quoted by Bloomberg warn the attacks raise the risk of a wider war, which argues for restraint and talks.
Casualty figures are from Saudi authorities and the Houthi claims are unverified. Watch the airport's reopening and Saudi retaliation.
DailyDrop Singapore edition No. 8 · Morning · MON., OCT. 12, 2026