An attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday left several people injured and prompted a temporary suspension of airport operations as authorities assessed the damage. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed the halt in services while verifying the safety of airport facilities. Passengers were advised to contact their airlines before traveling, and those unable to reach destinations within Saudi Arabia were urged to seek assistance through Saudi diplomatic missions abroad.
This incident marks the latest in a series of assaults targeting key civil aviation infrastructure in the Kingdom amid escalating conflict in the region. On Thursday, a Houthi missile and drone strike on the same airport resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including Saudia pilot Capt. Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, and caused damage to a Saudi national carrier aircraft on the ground. The injuries reported from these attacks involved Saudi nationals and foreign passengers, with varying degrees of severity.
The attacks come amid heightened military activity linked to the Saudi-led coalition’s ongoing offensive against the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen, launched earlier in the week. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and coalition spokespeople have condemned the strikes, emphasizing the country’s determination not to permit Yemen to be used as a base for attacks against Saudi territory or threats to Red Sea maritime routes. Coalition forces, including the Southern Giants Brigades, have simultaneously reported gains in Yemen, taking full control of strategic areas such as Bab Al-Mandab and Perim Island and capturing Houthi militants in the Dhubab region. Air support continues around the clock to assist Yemeni government forces.
The recent wave of attacks has drawn regional condemnation, including from Kuwait, which described the strikes as serious violations of Saudi sovereignty and international law. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry voiced strong support for Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its security and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, highlighting concerns about the impact on regional stability and civilian safety.
The situation has also disrupted international air travel. By Friday, flight cancellations at Riyadh airport numbered over 120, with additional cancellations the day prior affecting hundreds of flights. Several international airlines suspended flights to Saudi Arabia, reflecting growing security concerns. Kuwait Airways, for example, canceled its services between Kuwait City and Riyadh, encouraging passengers to stay updated through official channels.
In response to the evolving threat environment, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency expanded its advisories regarding Saudi airspace, citing increased risks due to repeated missile and drone attacks and heightened air-defense activity. These developments have raised concerns about potential misidentification of civilian aircraft and dangers posed by debris and interceptions.
The attacks are considered among the deadliest to date on Saudi soil since the offensive against the Houthis began, further escalating tensions in the wider regional conflict. Saudi authorities and coalition partners maintain their efforts to mitigate threats posing risks to civilian infrastructure and to restore stability amid ongoing hostilities.