Saudi authorities have extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until at least next Saturday, following consecutive Houthi missile and drone strikes that killed 14 people and injured more than 300. The weekend attacks, which caused significant damage to terminal facilities, mark the deadliest assault on Saudi infrastructure in over a decade, The Irish Times reported.
The Saudi civil aviation authority stated the closure is necessary to complete procedures ensuring the safety and operational readiness of the airport. While operations remain suspended, the Saudi energy minister, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman, told an energy conference in Riyadh on Monday that the kingdom’s response to the attacks on its airports and energy facilities would be "serious."
Escalation of Houthi Strikes in Saudi Arabia
The weekend violence began on Saturday when a mix of ballistic missiles and cruise drones struck the capital’s primary airport. CCTV footage from inside the terminal captured passengers taking cover as projectiles hit the building, according to the BBC. A second, smaller attack occurred on Sunday, resulting in one additional death and nearly a dozen injuries.
The Houthi movement, based in Yemen, claimed responsibility for the strikes. Military spokesman Brig Gen Yahya Saree vowed to continue "escalating operations deep inside Saudi Arabia," warning airlines that all Saudi airports—with the exception of those in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina—are now potential targets. The Guardian reported that these strikes follow a period of heightened regional tension, noting that airports in Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Yemen have also faced attacks since the U.S. and Israel targeted Iran in June 2025.
Impact on International Travel and Regional Security
The disruption has forced international carriers to adjust schedules. Qatar Airways confirmed it has temporarily suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam. In Ireland, Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee issued a travel warning, advising citizens to avoid the airport and monitor local media for safety updates.
The conflict has raised concerns regarding a wider regional escalation. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that the U.S. "may" join Saudi Arabia in retaliatory measures, stating he planned to speak with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While the current attacks are limited to Saudi and Yemeni territory, the potential for further U.S. involvement has prompted fears that the Houthis could target U.S. interests or other allies across the Middle East.
Operational Disruptions in Riyadh
Beyond the airport, local life in the Saudi capital has been affected. Authorities have shifted in-person classes at schools in Riyadh to remote learning until Thursday, RTE reported. Additionally, transport services to three metro stations serving the airport have been suspended.
The Houthis maintain that their actions are a response to a Saudi-led blockade of ports and airports in Yemen, as well as a recent airstrike on Sana’a airport. Despite the ongoing counteroffensive by the Yemeni government and its allies to reclaim territory near the Bab al-Mandab strait, the Houthis have shown no sign of halting their campaign, describing their actions as "guided by reciprocity."
Safety and Travel Concerns
Are other airports in the Middle East currently under threat?
For now, the attacks remain concentrated on Saudi Arabian and Yemeni facilities. Travel to other regional destinations, including the United Arab Emirates, continues without reported interference.
What should travelers with upcoming flights to Saudi Arabia do?
Airlines and government officials advise passengers to monitor official safety notices and contact their carriers directly for flight status updates. Many international airlines have temporarily suspended routes to Riyadh and Dammam to ensure passenger safety.
Why have recent security measures failed to stop the attacks?
Military analysts note that while Saudi Arabia has improved its early warning systems, the Houthis have enhanced their offensive capabilities through Iranian investment and technical advice. The difficulty of intercepting a mix of ballistic and cruise missiles continues to present a significant challenge for regional air defense systems, as reported by The Guardian.