Missile Attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh Causes Injuries and Aviation Disruptions

A missile attack struck a passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. This incident resulted in multiple injuries and led to evacuations, as reported by the Associated Press.

Two regional officials confirmed the airport attack, noting that the missile hit a passenger terminal. Both officials spoke under anonymity due to lack of authorization to publicly discuss the event. Numerous ambulances were seen en route to the terminal to provide emergency assistance.

Responding to inquiries about the attack, President Donald Trump indicated a possible U.S. response. “We have now learned of the attacks, we will examine them and make decisions,” he stated, according to YNetNews.

Major Airline Disruptions and Flight Cancellations

Kuwait Airways announced on social media the cancellation of flights KU775 (Kuwait to Riyadh) and KU776 (Riyadh to Kuwait) on Saturday due to the airport’s closure. The airline advised passengers to track their flight status for further updates through official communications channels.

Further cancellations by Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways were reported, with some extending into Monday. According to AirNav Radar, a flight-tracking app, 266 flights have been canceled and 219 delayed as a result of the disruptions.

Escalating Attacks on Riyadh Airport

Saturday’s missile attack is part of a recent surge in aggression involving Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and Yemen’s Iran-supported Houthis. The Houthis previously targeted the airport on multiple occasions since the Saudi-led coalition’s offensive against them began. While the group has claimed responsibility for past strikes, there has been no immediate claim for Saturday’s incident.

Earlier in the week, the airport was attacked twice, resulting in several deaths, injuries, and significant damage to an aircraft, as reported by Reuters. Footage taken after one of the attacks shows flames and thick smoke engulfing parts of the airport.

Travel Advisories and Regional Security

The U.S. State Department advises reconsideration of travel to Saudi Arabia due to potential threats such as armed conflict and missile attacks, referencing dangers from Houthi rebels and attacks on infrastructures like airports.

Americans are especially advised against travel to the Yemen border region due to high risks from terrorism and previous attacks.

Escalating Fighting With the Houthis

The ongoing conflict involves the Iran-backed Houthis, who control significant portions of northwestern Yemen. They have been in conflict with Yemen’s Saudi-supported government. The tensions have heightened with the Houthis launching missile and drone strikes while Saudi-backed forces contest critical territory along the Red Sea.

Recent declarations by the Houthis categorize Saudi airspace as a military operational zone, advising airlines to avoid it until further notice as military confrontations escalate.