The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Unidentified projectile hit Riyadh airport, Saudi-led coalition says
Fire was reported after an unidentified projectile hit Riyadh airport terminal less than a day after an attack killed 12 people. The attack led to Riyadh’s airport shutdown and drew condemnation from the UN and EU, as the Houthis renew their threats and Washington considers its response.
A unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthis. The coalition’s spokesman reported a fire as a result of the strike and said air defences intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile nearby.
Riyadh’s international airport remained closed on Sunday, a day after an attack that officials attributed to the Iran-backed Houthis. The incident followed the coalition’s claim that the airport attack caused casualties and injuries, with authorities noting several people injured and fatalities among both Saudis and foreigners.
The coalition also noted that a separate projectile fell near King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Saturday, highlighting ongoing attacks in the region. The broader context involved international reactions and warnings from various actors about air safety and regional security.
Flight operations at Riyadh were disrupted, with a temporary extension of the airport’s closure reported by flight-tracking sources and aviation authorities not yet confirming a reopening timeline. Airlines began suspending or altering services to Riyadh in response to the security situation and ongoing assessments.
International responses included condemnation and warnings from figures such as European and UN leaders, who described the strikes as dangerous escalation and violations of international law. They cautioned about threats to civilian infrastructure and regional stability, with broader implications for aviation and energy networks.
Airlines and airports in the region remained affected by security advisories and precautionary measures, with some carriers canceling or rerouting flights and travelers urged to verify schedules with airlines. The situation contributed to widespread disruptions impacting Saudi aviation operations and regional air safety assessments.