RIYADH Oct 12, 2026 – Saudi civil aviation authorities extended the suspension of operations at the kingdom’s second-busiest airport following weekend missile attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthis. A Saturday strike killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300; a follow-up attack on Sunday killed one more and injured nearly a dozen. Saudi forces reported intercepting additional ballistic missiles over Riyadh and other areas on Monday.
The attacks mark the deadliest on Saudi soil in over a decade and have forced widespread flight cancellations. Nearly half of scheduled Saudi departures were disrupted on Monday, with major carriers including Lufthansa Group, Air France-KLM, and others extending suspensions. Houthis have issued warnings against airlines operating in Saudi airspace and claimed further targeting of the airport and related facilities.
The strikes come amid renewed escalation in the Yemen conflict, where the Iran-aligned Houthis have intensified cross-border operations against Saudi infrastructure. The disruption adds pressure on Saudi aviation, energy-related events, and regional connectivity at a time of ongoing Middle East tensions. Saudi authorities stated the closure allows for safety inspections and operational readiness assessments.
Further updates as developments unfold.
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