Pilot one of three killed as plane destroyed as Houthis attack Riyadh Airport

Images showed a burning plane

Saudi officials said that the Yemeni Houthis had claimed responsibility for the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which occurred on Thursday evening.

It is the latest escalation on one of the fronts of the Iran war, as Saudi Arabia continue to fear Iranian influence in Yemen, notably from the Houthis rebels who continue to fight the Yemeni government.

The Houthis oppose Saudi Arabia's backing of the Yemeni government forces.

Images circulating online showed one of the airline Saudia's 149 planes burning on the floor at Riyadh Airport, following reports of smoke.

As per Simple Flying, the plane in question is an Airbus A320-200.

Saudia announced in a statement on Friday morning that one of the three victims was a pilot of the airline, Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami.

The statement read: It is with profound sadness that Saudia announces the passing of Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, who lost his life on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in the incident at King Khalid International Airport in Riadh.

Saudia honours his memory with deep respect and appreciation, recognising his career with the national flag carrier and the lasting impression he left on his colleagues.

Saudia extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues. Our thoughts are with all those who knew and worked alongside him during this difficult time.

The incident has caused hundreds of flights to be cancelled from Riyadh Airport.

Data from Flightradar24 has the airport as the most disrupted in the world with 120 flights cancelled and 211 delayed.

Riyadh Airport is served with flights to all across the world, including London and Manchester in the UK, destinations all over Europe, and the United States.