Missile attack hits Riyadh airport terminals as U.S. weighs joining Saudi strikes

A missile struck the main airport in Saudi Arabia's capital city of Riyadh on Saturday, forcing an evacuation and suspending all operations. Two regional officials stated that the projectile hit a complex housing terminals 3 and 4 for domestic flights, leaving many people wounded. Ambulances rushed to the scene while police blocked all entrances and dimmed the lights around the complex.

U.S. Response

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters he was looking into whether the United States should join Saudi military strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen. The Houthis claimed responsibility for this week's wave of attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport, along with other airports, military facilities, and oil infrastructure. President Trump noted that officials just found out about the recent attack and will make a decision quickly.

Travel and Aviation Impact

Flight-tracking data showed that at least 225 flights were canceled at the Riyadh airport over a 24-hour period, with other flights diverted. Airlines including Air India, FlyDubai, the Lufthansa Group, and Pakistan International Airlines suspended flights to and from Riyadh and other Saudi airports. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency expanded its warnings regarding Saudi airspace due to rising risks of misidentifying civil aircraft. Meanwhile, countries such as the United States, Britain, Germany, Australia, and Canada advised their citizens to stay away from the airport.

Context

These attacks come amid an escalating conflict following a major military offensive launched by a Saudi-led coalition against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Saudi Arabia stands as the world's top oil exporter, meaning disruptions to its aviation and energy infrastructure send shockwaves through regional markets. Furthermore, reports indicate that Saudi forces have faced low supplies of missile interceptors while dealing with these ongoing aerial assaults.