Saudi Arabia reopens Riyadh airport despite Houthi threats

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 19:49 · Archive

Saudi Arabia reopened King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Sunday, two weeks after a Houthi cruise missile attack killed at least 13 people.

Saudi Arabia reopened King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Sunday, operating two terminals for domestic and international flights. The reopening came two weeks after a cruise missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels struck a terminal on 10 October, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 300, making it the kingdom's deadliest attack in over a decade.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that the airport remained a 'military target' and urged airlines, airport staff and passengers not to use it, stating the kingdom would 'bear responsibility for the consequences'. Saree claimed the Houthis had targeted the airport and other locations across Saudi Arabia, though Saudi authorities had not confirmed whether the airport was hit over the weekend. Saudi civil defence stated that two intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles over other locations injured two people and damaged residential buildings and vehicles.

Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted another barrage of drones and missiles on Sunday as hostilities continued. Flight tracking data showed little traffic at the airport despite the announcement of reopening. The Asian Football Confederation delayed an AFC Champions League match scheduled for Monday in Riyadh due to travel disruptions caused by the ongoing situation.

How it is being reported

• Saudi Arabia reopens Riyadh airport after Houthi attacks but flights remain limitedThe renewed fighting in Yemen has shattered a UN-brokered truce that had largely held since 2022Independent World · 25 Oct, 19:19
• Saudi Arabia reopens Riyadh airport as Houthi threats continueSaudi Arabia reopened an international airport that serves its capital city despite warnings from Houthis in Yemen that the facility was a target.UPI · 25 Oct, 18:56

In this story: Saudi Arabia · Yemen · Houthis · King Khalid International Airport · Riyadh · Yahya Saree · United Arab Emirates · Iran

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