Houthi strikes hit Abha and Riyadh airports, killing three and injuring dozens
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Houthi forces launched ballistic missile and UAV attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, targeting civilian people and infrastructure.
The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority reported three deaths and 36 injuries across the two airports, including a Saudia Airlines employee killed when a Saudia aircraft was hit, while several foreign nationals were also injured. Airport operations returned to normal by early evening, with flight and operational activities resuming at regular rates.
Following the attacks, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency expanded its safety warning to Saudi north‑west airspace and European airlines such as Lufthansa Group and Qatar Airways temporarily suspended flights to Riyadh, while the United States advised travelers to obtain special permission to travel to the airport.
Why it matters
The EASA warning and airline suspensions highlight increased operational risk for carriers flying in the region.