Operations at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport faced major disruption after Houthi forces launched missiles and drones towards the Saudi capital overnight.
Saudi authorities issued an air-raid warning advising residents to remain indoors, while explosions were heard near the airport. A fire subsequently broke out at a nearby fuel depot, sending a large plume of black smoke into the air. Emergency services later extinguished the blaze.
Flight-tracking services reported severe operational disruption at the airport, although Saudi authorities had not immediately provided details of cancellations, diversions or damage to aviation infrastructure.
The Saudi-led coalition said air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh, as well as other incoming missiles and drones. The Houthis claimed they had targeted “sensitive sites” in the capital using ballistic and cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft. The extent to which any weapons reached their intended targets remains unclear.
The group also claimed a separate attack on Saudi Aramco facilities at Yanbu, an important Red Sea port. It said the operations were retaliation for recent Saudi strikes on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
The incident raises renewed concerns about the security of Saudi airspace and civilian aviation as fighting with the Yemen-based Houthis intensifies. King Khalid International is Saudi Arabia’s second-busiest airport and the principal hub of Riyadh Air, as well as a major base for Saudia and flynas.