Missile strikes Riyadh airport terminal as regional attacks escalate

A missile struck a passenger terminal complex at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, wounding many people and prompting an evacuation. Two regional officials confirmed the attack, which hit terminals 3 and 4 for domestic flights, sending a large plume of black smoke rising from the fuel storage area. Operations at the airport were suspended as authorities assessed the damage and wound count. Ambulances rushed to the scene while police blocked all entrances and dimmed lights around the complex. Flightradar24 and FlightAware reported major disruptions, with at least 225 flights cancelled over 24 hours. Air India, FlyDubai, the Lufthansa Group and Pakistan International Airlines suspended flights to and from Saudi airports for the next few days. Countries including the United States, Britain, Germany, Australia and Canada warned citizens to avoid the airport. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency expanded its guidance on Saudi airspace, citing the ability of Houthi rebels to strike deep inside the kingdom and the risk to civil aircraft. US President Donald Trump told reporters he was evaluating whether the United States should join Saudi strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks this week on the Riyadh airport, military facilities and oil infrastructure. The surge in attacks follows a major military offensive launched a week ago by a Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis in Yemen. Saudi authorities warned the public that filming or sharing information about missile and drone impacts carries legal liability. Meanwhile, the Saudi and Omani foreign ministers spoke by phone to discuss diplomatic solutions to lower regional tensions. Oman has previously acted as a regional mediator.

Context

King Khalid International Airport is the main aviation hub serving Saudi Arabia's capital city. The ongoing conflict in Yemen involves Houthi rebels fighting against the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, with regional shipping lanes and infrastructure increasingly affected by the violence. Major international airlines regularly adjust routes and suspend services during periods of heightened security risks in the Middle East.