Houthi attacks hit Riyadh airport, causing casualties and flight disruptions
Written by AI from 5 reports listed below. Not checked by a person before publication. How we use AI
Multiple missile strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resulted in deaths, injuries and temporary suspension of airport operations, with airlines cancelling or delaying hundreds of flights.
Casualties
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation reported at least three Saudi citizens killed in the attacks, while other reports said twelve people died. Injuries were described as more than 30, 309, or an unspecified number still being counted.
At least five of the injured were reported to be in intensive care, and a Saudi Airlines employee was among those killed.
Flight disruptions
Operations at the airport were temporarily suspended while damage was assessed, with later reports indicating that normal air traffic resumed.
Airlines including Kuwait Airways, Air Arabia, Etihad and Flydubai cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, and a total of 260 flights were reported cancelled on Saturday by one source, while another source recorded 314 cancellations and 222 delays in the afternoon of the attack day.
Official responses
The Houthi group, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attacks. The United States advised its citizens to avoid the airport, and the United Kingdom described the incident as "grave."
Several governments, including Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and France, issued travel advisories discouraging or restricting air travel to Riyadh.
What's still unclear
Sources differ on the number of deaths (three versus twelve) and the number of injured (more than 30, 309, or an unspecified count). Reported flight cancellations vary between 260 and 314.