Riyadh airport partially resumes operations despite fresh Houthi warnings

King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital has resumed limited operations, marking a cautious return to normalcy following the suspension triggered by the October 10 attack. The Houthi militant group had claimed responsibility for the assault, which resulted in significant casualties and prompted authorities to halt all airport services.

The partial reopening comes as security officials continue to assess threats posed by the Yemen-based group, which has maintained its hostile posture toward the kingdom. Fresh warnings from the Houthis have added to security concerns, though airport authorities have proceeded with resuming select flight operations.

The attack on October 10 represented a significant security incident for the kingdom's critical aviation infrastructure. The decision to partially reopen the airport reflects efforts to balance security imperatives with the need to maintain essential transportation links for the region.

Saudi Arabia has faced repeated threats from Houthi forces in recent years, with the group periodically targeting civilian and military installations across the kingdom. The airport closure had disrupted travel for thousands of passengers and highlighted vulnerabilities in regional aviation security amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.