RIYADH: Saudi authorities have temporarily suspended flight operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following a missile attack, citing security concerns. The suspension has disrupted flight schedules, with hundreds of services cancelled and several incoming flights diverted to other airports.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the authorities, the airport is scheduled to remain closed until 9:00 pm. Authorities have also begun assessing the financial damage caused by the attack.
Following the airport closure, several flights bound for Riyadh were diverted to alternative airports, including those in Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah. The diversion of flights has also reportedly disrupted schedules and airport operations at these destinations.
According to the available figures, 446 of the 750 flights scheduled to operate from Riyadh Airport today have been cancelled.
Passengers have been advised to check the latest status of their flights with their respective airlines before leaving for the airport to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
Saudi-Led Coalition Vows Response
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led military coalition has vowed to respond to the attack, raising concerns over a further escalation of tensions in the region.
Houthis Claim Responsibility for Airport Shutdown
The head of Houthi media has claimed in a statement posted on the social media platform X that their actions forced Riyadh’s international airport to shut down completely. However, the claim has not been independently verified.
The Houthis had previously warned passenger aircraft against using Saudi airspace. Meanwhile, operations launched on Monday by Yemen’s Saudi-backed government against the Houthis have further complicated the situation.
The suspension of airport operations and widespread flight cancellations have raised concerns for travellers, while the reported diversions have placed additional pressure on alternative airports. Passengers are advised to follow official airport announcements and airline updates for the latest travel information.
