Air India flight returns to Delhi after Houthi attacks on Saudi airports

An Air India flight from Delhi to Riyadh is returning to the national Capital amid heightened security concerns following a series of Houthi attacks targeting airports in Saudi Arabia that have left at least three people dead and 36 injured, according to Saudi authorities.

Air India flight AI2243 departed from Delhi and was flying south over Gujarat before proceeding over the Arabian Sea.

The aircraft subsequently turned around and is now flying back towards Delhi.

The turnaround comes amid growing concerns over aviation safety in Saudi airspace following attacks on airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Air India and Air India Express have suspended their operations to and from Riyadh until October 10, 2026. According to Saudi authorities, attacks targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport on October 6 and 7 killed three people and injured 36 others. Two people were killed and 28 others injured in an attack on Abha International Airport, while one person was killed and eight others injured in the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The Houthi group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Its military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said the group targeted Saudi airports using ballistic missiles and drones. Saree claimed that a ballistic missile targeting King Khalid International Airport “struck its target with precision” and disrupted airport operations.

India on Thursday condemned the attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport, describing the targeting of civilian infrastructure as “completely unacceptable”.

“India condemns the attacks over the past few days targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.

“The targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We wish speedy recovery for those injured. We express solidarity and stand with the people and Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” it added. The latest attacks come amid renewed fighting between Saudi-backed government forces and the Iran-aligned Houthi group

in Yemen. Saree said the attacks were carried out in response to what he described as Saudi “aggression” against Yemen. He claimed that Saudi Arabia had conducted “60 airstrikes and missile attacks in the past 24 hours”.

The Houthi group also issued what it called a “last warning” to global airlines operating flights through Saudi airspace, saying the area had become a “theater for our military operations”. Saree urged international airlines to stop operating flights through Saudi airspace, warning of the consequences of continuing to do so.

He said airspace over the “sacred areas” of Mecca and Medina was exempt from the warning. The US Mission in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday also urged American citizens to exercise heightened vigilance amid the Houthi threats. It warned that the situation could lead to flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.

The latest developments have raised fresh concerns over commercial aviation in the region, with airlines reassessing their operations amid the deteriorating security situation.