Houthi strikes hit Riyadh airport for second day as operations remain suspended
Flights at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport remain suspended after consecutive Houthi strikes, prompting Saudi coalition retaliatory raids in Yemen.
Flight operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remain halted following a second consecutive day of projectile attacks that caused a fire in a passenger terminal.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned international airlines and travellers against using non-holy Saudi airports, stating the kingdom's airspace is a "theatre of operations."
Discrepancies persist over casualties. Local officials reported at least 12 people killed and more than 300 injured in the strikes. However, Saudi civil aviation authorities cited lower figures, stating three people were killed and 36 injured across attacks targeting airports in Riyadh and Abha.
US President Donald Trump described the Riyadh strike as "not acceptable." In response, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes against more than 80 Houthi military locations in Yemen.
Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian.
Sources
- Cyprus Mail — Three killed in attacks on Saudi airports as Yemen fighting intensifies
- France24 — Middle East live: Riyadh airport attack 'not acceptable,' Trump says
- The Guardian — Middle East crisis live: Houthis warn passengers against using Saudi airport after deadly attack on Riyadh
- STV News — At least 12 killed in attack on Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh airport
- BBC News — Saudi Arabia's Riyadh airport hit by second Houthi strike in two days
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 05:30 AM UTCRiyadh airport operations remain halted after second day of Houthi strikes
- Oct 15, 2026, 04:00 AM UTCSaudi Arabia retaliates after Houthi attacks target Riyadh airport
- Oct 14, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCRiyadh airport struck by second missile as Houthi warnings escalate
- Oct 13, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCHouthi strikes target Riyadh airport as regional tensions escalate
- Oct 12, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait
- Oct 12, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure Bab al-Mandab Strait
- Oct 11, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure Bab al-Mandab Strait
- Oct 11, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure Bab al-Mandab Strait
- Oct 11, 2026, 03:00 AM UTCYemeni pro-government forces claim control of strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait
- Oct 10, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait