Saudi authorities confirmed that three citizens were killed during two separate attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group targeting the international airport in Riyadh. The General Authority of Civil Aviation stated that the incidents also resulted in injuries to several other Saudi citizens and residents of various nationalities.
The first strike occurred on Thursday, hitting the airport facility itself, while the second attack targeted an aircraft operated by state carrier Saudia. The airline confirmed that one of its pilots was among those killed. Air traffic at the capital’s airport has since returned to normal operations.
In response, the Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the strikes, alleging they launched two missiles at the Riyadh airport. The Iran-aligned group also asserted that it targeted the airport in Najran, near the Yemeni border, as well as the Khamis Mushait air base to the north, though Saudi officials have not independently verified these additional claims.
These casualties follow a recent wave of violence, including attacks on October 6 and 7 that killed three people at two other Saudi airports. An assault on Abha International Airport wounded 28 and killed two, while a separate incident at King Khalid airport claimed one life.
A Houthi military spokesperson characterized the previous strikes as retaliation for what the group described as “Saudi aggression,” citing 60 airstrikes and missile launches against their territory within a 24-hour period. The faction maintains it is targeting Saudi infrastructure in response to Riyadh’s support for government forces in Yemen’s civil war.
The conflict has intensified recently following a Houthi offensive that seized key sections of the Red Sea coast, including the strategic port of Mokha near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Although pro-government forces later claimed to have secured the strait, the Houthis announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia in July, resuming attacks on airports and oil facilities after a fragile ceasefire brokered in 2022 began to collapse.
How can travel ever feel normal again? The escalation seems relentless and out of control.
This is absolutely terrifying. Airports should be safe zones, not military targets.