Riyadh airport partly reopens after Houthi attack threats
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Saudi Arabia said on Sunday that two passenger terminals at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had resumed operations after the airport was shut following an October 10 attack claimed by the Houthis. The Houthi movement said it had launched seven attacks in one day using missiles and drones against three Saudi airports, oil facilities and military bases, including targets in Riyadh, in response to Saudi-led coalition strikes on areas under its control. Saudi authorities also said they intercepted a fresh wave of missiles and drones on Sunday, while the Houthis warned that Riyadh airport would continue to be treated as a military target.
Key Points
- King Khalid International Airport said Terminal 1 would handle domestic flights from Sunday, while Terminal 2 would process Saudi national carrier international services.
- Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed traffic at Riyadh airport remained sparse on Sunday despite the announced partial reopening.
- The Houthis said they struck multiple Saudi locations, including the airport, Khamis Mushait and Jazan, and warned airlines, staff and passengers not to use Riyadh airport.
- Saudi civil defence said debris from two intercepted ballistic missiles over Khamis Mushait and Ahad Rafidah injured two people and damaged homes and vehicles.
- The US State Department updated travel warnings for 13 Middle Eastern countries, citing increased threats from Houthi and Iranian attacks.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong travellers and businesses using Gulf air links, the partial reopening does not remove the risk of sudden disruption, especially as flight activity remained limited and the airport was openly threatened again. The combination of repeated strikes on airports and oil facilities also raises wider concerns over regional transport reliability and security conditions across the Middle East.