A missile slammed into the passenger terminal of King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, sending shockwaves through Riyadh's busiest air hub.
The strike follows a string of attacks on the same airport over the past week, with Houthi rebels claiming responsibility for earlier strikes that killed a Sudanese national on Wednesday.
Air traffic was halted immediately after the impact, and 225 flights were canceled within 24 hours, according to FlightAware. Airlines diverted flights to alternate airports, and dozens of ambulances streamed in to treat the wounded.
Both U.S. and U.K. embassies in Riyadh issued advisories, urging citizens to avoid the airport and surrounding areas. The airlines affected included Kuwait Airways, Air India Express, and Air India, which extended their suspensions until mid‑October.
Despite the escalating security situation, organizers of the World Petroleum Congress and the Future Investment Initiative have confirmed that their conferences will proceed as scheduled, offering alternative travel routes for delegates.
The attack underscores the growing spill‑over of the Yemen conflict into Saudi airspace, adding a new layer of risk for international travelers and investors heading to Riyadh.