Saudi Arabia extends suspension of Riyadh airport operations

Saudi Arabia announced the continuation of operational restrictions at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh after Houthi militants carried out multiple attacks during the weekend, marking the latest disruption to the kingdom's aviation infrastructure.

The decision to extend the airport suspension came as a direct response to the coordinated assault by the Iranian-aligned Houthi group, which has intensified its strikes against Saudi territory in recent weeks. The attacks underscore the persistent security challenges facing the region and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to aerial threats.

King Khalid International Airport is one of the Middle East's busiest aviation hubs, and any suspension impacts thousands of passengers and international flight schedules. The closure reflects Saudi authorities' assessment that security conditions remain unstable in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

The Houthi movement has escalated cross-border operations from neighbouring Yemen over the past months, targeting military installations and civilian infrastructure across Saudi Arabia. The group has claimed responsibility for multiple drone and missile strikes, prompting Riyadh to implement enhanced security protocols at key facilities.

Saudi officials have not announced a specific timeline for the resumption of normal airport operations, and aviation authorities are continuing to assess security conditions before determining when flights can safely resume.