Riyadh airport operations remain halted after second day of Houthi strikes
Flight operations at Riyadh's main airport remain suspended following consecutive Houthi projectile attacks, prompting Saudi retaliatory strikes in Yemen.
Flight operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remain suspended after a second consecutive day of projectile strikes caused a terminal fire. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned international airlines and travellers that Saudi Arabia's airspace is a "theatre of operations," excepting only the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Casualty estimates continue to diverge. Local officials reported at least 12 deaths and more than 300 injuries, whereas Saudi civil aviation authorities cited three fatalities and 36 injuries across strikes in Riyadh and Abha.
US President Donald Trump condemned the Riyadh attack as "not acceptable." In response, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes targeting more than 80 Houthi military positions across Yemen as regional hostilities intensify.
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 15, 2026, 10:00 PM UTCHouthi strikes hit Riyadh airport for second day as operations remain suspended
- 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
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