Yemen's Houthi rebels carried out multiple missile and drone strikes on Saudi airports in early October, killing at least 20 people across several incidents and wounding hundreds more.

The deadliest attack occurred when a cruise missile struck Terminal 3 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on a Saturday afternoon. Saudi civil aviation authorities reported 12 to 13 deaths in that strike alone, including four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis, and one each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt. More than 300 people were wounded, with some in critical condition.

Earlier attacks that week targeted the same Riyadh airport and others in Abha, Jazan, and Najran. Those strikes killed at least three Saudi citizens on one day and additional victims on prior days, bringing the cumulative toll above 20 according to official tallies. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the operations and warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace.

Saudi officials described the assaults as terrorist attacks on civilian infrastructure with no military facilities. The kingdom's civil aviation authority temporarily suspended operations at affected airports, diverted flights, and noted material damage including to a Saudia aircraft. Air traffic later resumed at some locations.

The Houthis, an Iran-aligned group, have intensified their campaign against Saudi Arabia amid broader regional tensions tied to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Saudi-led coalition forces have vowed a firm response and reported conducting strikes in Houthi-controlled areas.

International reactions included condemnation from governments whose citizens were among the victims. The attacks disrupted travel and highlighted vulnerabilities in Saudi aviation hubs during a period of heightened security concerns.