World · Singapore Bureau
Houthi attacks cripple Saudi Arabia's aviation sector
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have severely disrupted air travel across Saudi Arabia, with flight cancellations at Riyadh's main airport reaching unprecedented levels this month. Aviation data reveals that nearly 90 per cent of scheduled flights have been grounded.
LSN Singapore ·
Recent attacks attributed to Yemen's Houthi movement have dealt a significant blow to Saudi Arabia's aviation sector, with Riyadh's primary airport experiencing near-total operational paralysis. According to aviation tracking data released Monday, cancellations have affected approximately nine out of every 10 scheduled flights at the capital's airport during October.
The escalation in Houthi attacks has forced Saudi Arabian Airlines and other carriers to suspend or drastically reduce their flight schedules, leaving terminals largely empty and disrupting travel across the kingdom. The coordinated strikes have underscored the vulnerability of Saudi Arabia's air infrastructure to cross-border threats.
The Iran-aligned militant group has intensified its military operations against the kingdom in recent months, targeting critical infrastructure and commercial facilities. The aviation disruptions represent a significant economic impact for the airline industry and underscore regional tensions that have persisted following years of conflict in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has maintained an air defence system to counter such threats, but the frequency and scale of recent Houthi operations have overwhelmed normal flight operations. Airlines have cited security concerns as the primary reason for widespread cancellations, prioritising passenger safety over maintaining scheduled services.
The disruptions are expected to have broader implications for regional trade, tourism, and business connectivity, with travellers facing extended delays and limited transportation options.