A recent explosion at Riyadh’s international airport resulted in multiple injuries, as witnessed by two individuals and confirmed by sources briefed on the incident. The airport was partially evacuated in response to the blast. Witnesses described scenes of injured individuals on the airport premises following the explosion, with a significant deployment of ambulances to the site.
The Saudi government agencies, including the media office and civil aviation authority, did not provide immediate comments on the incident. This incident is the latest in a series of missile attacks by Yemen’s Houthis targeting Saudi Arabia, with the airport having been attacked twice earlier in the week, resulting in casualties and significant damage.
In response to the escalating situation, U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned considering potential U.S. involvement in the conflict. Flight operations to Riyadh were disrupted, with flights being diverted or cancelled, and the airport advising passengers to stay updated on their flight statuses before heading to the airport.
The Canadian Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a cautionary statement advising against travel to King Khalid International Airport due to security concerns. Kuwait Airways also suspended flights to and from Riyadh due to security reasons.
Several airlines, including Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, had to cancel flights to Riyadh following the recent attacks. Despite the security challenges, organizers of upcoming conferences in Riyadh affirmed that the events would proceed as scheduled, emphasizing security measures for attendees.
The Houthis have warned against the use of Saudi airspace for commercial flights, declaring it a military zone following recent hostilities in the region.
