Houthi attacks cancelled 86% of Riyadh flights

Houthi missile and drone attacks have disrupted 86% of flights at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and 45% of departures in Saudi Arabia from October 8 to October 25.Recent reports indicate a surge in Houthi assaults targeting Saudi airports, ports, and oil facilities, with multiple strikes on Riyadh’s airport.

An attack on October 10 resulted in 13 fatalities, intensifying concerns over security in the region.

Saudi authorities managed to partially reopen the airport on Sunday, resuming domestic flights from Terminal 1 and permitting international flights from Terminal 2.

Flight disruptions

On Monday, the Houthis announced further targeting of the airport, designating it as a “military target.”

Due to the ongoing instability, international airlines have suspended flights to Riyadh through November.

Delta Air Lines has postponed its Riyadh route launch until next year.

Several major events in Riyadh have been cancelled or postponed, including the country’s prominent investment conference.

Last Thursday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed attacks on the Saudi Defense Ministry in Riyadh, Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu, and airports in Dammam and Abha.

Impacts of these attacks continue to create uncertainty in the aviation and business sectors within Saudi Arabia.