Saudi Arabia extended the closure of Riyadh's main international airport and shifted schools in the capital to remote learning as Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels renewed threats to target aviation infrastructure and airspace across the kingdom. The measures followed a missile attack on King Khalid International Airport that resulted in twelve fatalities and more than three hundred injuries.
Saudi authorities extended the suspension of airport operations to allow officials to evaluate damage and verify safety conditions. Flight-tracking data indicated the closure would remain in place through Sunday evening, with no definitive timeline provided for the resumption of standard flights. Educational institutions throughout Riyadh transitioned to remote learning for the week, suspending in-person attendance for students, instructors, and administrative personnel amid heightened security concerns.
Saturday's incident marked the third reported strike targeting the capital's international airport within a single week. Previous attacks had resulted in four deaths and significant damage to a commercial aircraft stationed on the tarmac. Additionally, the Saudi-led coalition reported that a projectile landed near King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, located within the Eastern Province, while a separate drone was intercepted in the area.
Following the recent strikes, the Houthis issued a renewed public advisory directing airlines, aviation personnel, and passengers to steer clear of Saudi airports and airspace, excluding facilities situated in Mecca and Medina. The group emphasized that commercial aviation hubs within the kingdom constitute active operational zones. While the rebels did not immediately claim responsibility for the Saturday airport strike, they have frequently targeted Saudi installations and warned of continued retaliation unless Riyadh halts its military campaign and operations in Yemen.
The ongoing conflict risks broader regional destabilization, particularly as Washington weighs potential military involvement. United States officials indicated that the administration is evaluating whether to join Saudi military actions against the rebel movement. Any direct intervention could expand the scope of the regional crisis and potentially impact vital maritime shipping lanes and global energy markets.