World · India Bureau
Houthis issue warning to airlines after Riyadh airport strike
Yemen's Houthi militants have warned international airlines to avoid Saudi Arabian airports following what they claim was a successful attack on Riyadh's main aviation hub. The group has escalated its military operations against Saudi Arabia in recent months.
LSN India ·
The Iran-backed Houthi movement issued a stark warning to commercial carriers on Tuesday, urging them to steer clear of Saudi Arabia's airports in light of recent military operations. The militants claimed responsibility for striking King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, one of the region's busiest aviation facilities serving millions of passengers annually.
The threat marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition that has been engaged in a prolonged military campaign in Yemen. The group has previously targeted Saudi infrastructure, including oil facilities and airports, using drones and missiles in what it describes as retaliation for coalition airstrikes.
Saudi Arabia has maintained strong air defences around its major airports and has not suspended operations despite repeated threats. However, the latest warning could impact aviation routes across the Arabian Peninsula and raise concerns among international carriers operating in the region. Airlines typically adjust flight paths and insurance premiums when facing security threats in conflict zones.
The Houthis' statement comes amid broader tensions in the Middle East and underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the region. International aviation authorities and Gulf states have been monitoring the situation closely as tensions remain elevated along key global trade routes.