Riyadh Airport Hit Amid Rising Conflict and International Response

A new escalation in conflict has occurred with a strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. This follows an extraordinary series of attacks amid the ongoing Iran war.

President Donald Trump mentioned the U.S. might consider joining Saudi Arabia’s strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The Houthis have admitted to attacks on the airport earlier in the week which resulted in the deaths of three Saudi citizens, including a pilot. On Saturday, a missile hit terminals 3 and 4 for domestic flights, injuring multiple people, according to an anonymous regional official.

“We may. We’re going to look at it,” President Trump said regarding U.S. intervention. “We just found out about the recent attack. So we’ll make a decision. We move very quickly.”

The attacks have heightened since a Saudi-led coalition began a major offensive against the Houthis. The rebels have accused Saudi Arabia of strikes on Sanaa International Airport in Yemen. Riyadh airport operations have been suspended, and civil aviation authorities are assessing the damage and injuries.

An official notice announced the suspension will last until midnight. A heavy police presence has been noted at the airport, with entrances blocked and lights dimmed. Flights are being redirected, according to the Flightradar24 tracker.

Warnings have been issued by several countries, including the U.S., Britain, Germany, Australia, and Canada, advising citizens to avoid Riyadh’s airport. The impact of these attacks has caused unease in the markets.

Amid the attacks, Saudi authorities are still promoting a significant international energy conference planned in Riyadh. Fighting in Yemen between Saudi-backed government forces and the Houthis has intensified. The Saudi-led coalition continues air support as government forces attempt to reclaim areas seized by Houthi forces.

Concerns continue over the Houthis targeting Saudi shipping as part of a blockade. The Houthis have carried out attacks on ships previously, citing solidarity with Palestinians, although U.S. bombings have significantly limited such actions.

Saudi Arabia Faces Interceptor Shortages

Saudi Arabia is reportedly low on missile interceptors and has sought air defense support from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt. Both U.S. assistance in intelligence and planning and military support have been part of the latest offensive against the Houthis.

Diplomatic efforts continue as Saudi and Omani foreign ministers discuss reducing tensions in the region. Oman has a history of playing a mediator role between regional conflicts.

The public has been warned against sharing images or details regarding missile and drone countermeasures to avoid legal repercussions.

Increasing Flight Disruptions

The Houthis issued a stern warning to global airlines against operating in Saudi airspace. This has resulted in the cancellation of 291 flights at Riyadh’s airport over the past 24 hours. Airlines such as Air India, FlyDubai, Lufthansa, and Pakistan International Airlines have suspended various flights to and from Saudi airports.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency expanded its advisory, highlighting the increased risk of misidentification due to Houthi attacks.

On Thursday, attacks damaged three planes at Riyadh airport, confirmed by officials. The Saudi national carrier reported damage to an aircraft parked at the time, with no passengers on board.