Saudi Arabia Partially Reopens Riyadh Airport Amid Houthi Threats, Missile Attacks

Saudi Arabia partially resumed operations at King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, with Terminal 1 set to handle domestic flights and Terminal 2 to host international services operated by Saudi airlines starting that day. The move followed renewed threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement and a series of reported interceptions of missiles and drones.

Air traffic appeared limited despite the partial reopening, according to data from the flight-tracking platform Flightradar24. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree issued new warnings targeting airlines, airport staff and passengers, describing the airport as a military target and advising that it was unsafe to use.

Saudi civil defence authorities issued emergency alerts for Riyadh and several other cities before later announcing that the immediate threat had passed. The coalition-led interception efforts involved missiles and drones allegedly launched toward Riyadh and other southern regions, with multiple missiles intercepted.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting the airport and Saudi oil facilities on the preceding day, though Saudi authorities did not directly respond to those claims. The ongoing attacks have raised concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia’s aviation network and energy infrastructure.

The redeployment of services at King Khalid International Airport occurs amid broader regional tensions and renewed hostilities in Yemen, impacting global energy routes and international trade through key passages such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.