Major airports in Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, faced significant disruptions after a Houthi missile attack on Saturday, leading to 1,041 flight cancellations and 1,637 delays across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Türkiye. The attack, which killed 12 people and injured over 300, including six Pakistanis, triggered a fire at the airport. The Regional Four Group, comprising Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, and Türkiye, condemned the attack and called for an immediate halt to Houthi strikes on civilian infrastructure.
The Houthi missile strike at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport caused extensive damage and forced emergency services to respond swiftly. The attack followed a pattern of Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions in the region. The Saudi-led coalition has been engaged in a military campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen, a conflict that has drawn international attention.
The disruption at Saudi airports has had a broader impact on regional travel and trade. Airlines operating in the Middle East reported significant delays and cancellations, affecting both domestic and international flights. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of civilian infrastructure in the region. The Regional Four Group’s condemnation underscores the growing diplomatic pressure on Houthi forces to cease attacks on civilian targets.
The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in Yemen has been ongoing for over a decade, with periodic escalations. The latest attack highlights the continued volatility of the situation, despite international calls for a ceasefire. The regional response to the attack reflects the deepening concerns about the humanitarian and security implications of the conflict.
