The Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen claims to have launched a ballistic missile attack on Riyadh's airport, resulting in significant damage to a plane and leading to the suspension of flights by several airlines. The Houthis did not provide evidence to support their claim, and Saudi Arabia had not responded immediately.
Three individuals, speaking to Reuters, mentioned that shrapnel, either from an interception or another projectile, heavily damaged a Saudia Airlines commercial plane parked at a terminal, causing it to catch fire on Thursday. They confirmed no passengers were on the plane but could not exclude the possibility of injuries.
Residents reported hearing explosions in Riyadh, including a substantial blast at King Khalid International Airport. An Associated Press witness noted that fire and ambulance crews were dispatched, while a video verified by Reuters showed thick black smoke and flames rising from the airport. The same witness, who requested anonymity, mentioned that outgoing flights were halted and passengers were instructed to evacuate.
Lufthansa and Air India have confirmed suspending flights to Riyadh. According to data from aviation analytics company Cirium, nearly half of the airport's departures were canceled by 1500 GMT on Thursday, with an additional 31 cancellations expected across all Saudi airports on Friday.
This incident follows Saudi authorities' announcement of three fatalities earlier this week due to strikes on Riyadh and Abha airports. The Houthis intensified their attacks against Saudi Arabia on Thursday, attempting to close the kingdom's airspace and threatening to target energy facilities, urging workers to stay away.
Separately, Saudi officials reported that debris from an intercepted missile struck a kindergarten and medical complex in Riyadh.
The Houthis claim these actions are in retaliation for Saudi Arabia's support of government forces in Yemen's ongoing civil war. Saudi Arabia, in turn, states it supports the UN-recognized Yemeni government's efforts to reclaim territory from the Houthis.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have rapidly advanced across Yemen's coastal plain, making significant gains in the southwest, and appeared to be nearing the city of Taiz on Wednesday. Independent observers expressed concern that the group might capture Taiz, noting that forces aligned with the Saudi-backed government were possibly retreating to secure the strategic port city of Aden.
Riyadh is scheduled to host the WPC Energy Congress, a significant gathering of energy policymakers, this week.
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