Houthis Escalate Attacks on Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Airport Disrupted

Yemen’s Houthi group escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The strikes targeted key infrastructure and raised concerns over aviation safety. Saudi officials said three people had been killed in attacks earlier this week.

The Houthis claimed they had struck Riyadh airport. They also warned workers to stay away from energy facilities, which they threatened to target.

Sources briefed on the incident said a Saudia Airlines aircraft was badly damaged while parked at an airport terminal. The plane reportedly caught fire after being struck by shrapnel or another projectile. Three people familiar with the matter said no passengers were believed to be aboard at the time.

However, they could not rule out injuries. Reuters-verified video showed flames and thick black smoke rising from the airport.

Saudi government media officials, the civil aviation authority and Saudia Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Lufthansa and Air India said they were suspending flights to Riyadh following the attacks.

Missile Interceptions and Damage Reported

Saudi officials separately said debris from an intercepted missile struck a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh.

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The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said it had intercepted two ballistic missiles heading towards Riyadh. It also reported intercepting another missile aimed at Khamis Mushait, which hosts a major airbase.

The attacks have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia to protect its cities, airports and energy infrastructure. The kingdom has sought support from allied countries, including Türkiye and Pakistan.

Flight Cancellations Disrupt Travel

The attacks affected air travel at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Data compiled by aviation analytics firm Cirium showed that nearly half of departures had been cancelled by 1500 GMT on Thursday.

The data also indicated further cancellations across Saudi airports on Friday. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 reported numerous delays involving arrivals and departures in Riyadh.

Airport authorities advised travellers to contact their airlines before leaving for the airport. Passengers were urged to check flight updates for possible changes.

Riyadh was also scheduled to host the WPC Energy Congress. The attacks raised concerns about security during major international events.

Several multinational companies in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District reportedly told staff to work from home. The decision followed loud booms heard on Thursday morning, according to people familiar with the matter.

Some diplomats also said they had received security warnings. Several schools reportedly instructed parents to shelter in place. However, Reuters said it could not establish the source of the reported explosions.

Yemen Conflict Intensifies

Yemen’s civil war has intensified again after a ceasefire paused much of the fighting in 2022. The Houthis reportedly seized parts of the Red Sea coast last month, including areas near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Their attacks on shipping, Saudi cities and infrastructure have drawn Riyadh further into the conflict. Saudi-backed forces recently launched a counteroffensive and recaptured some areas near the strait.

Fighting has also spread around Taiz, Yemen’s third-largest city. The Houthis have reportedly taken territory along a key mountain road connecting the area towards Aden.

The renewed conflict has worsened an already severe humanitarian crisis. Around 200,000 people have reportedly been displaced since the fighting resumed.

Regional Powers Consider Support for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has sought assistance from regional partners as it responds to the Houthi offensive. Türkiye announced plans to provide mainly defensive and technical support.

A Turkish official said the assistance could include military equipment, intelligence sharing and weapons systems.

US and Syrian defence officials also said Damascus was considering options for supporting Saudi Arabia. These could include defensive assistance or a possible military deployment.

However, a diplomat said Syria remained focused on domestic priorities and recovery from its own civil war. The situation highlights the risk that Yemen’s renewed conflict could draw more regional powers into the fighting.

The latest attacks have intensified concerns over regional security, commercial aviation and the safety of critical energy infrastructure.