Riyadh airport shutdown extended after deadly strikes

Saudi authorities on Monday extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following a series of deadly Houthi attacks. Strikes on the airport last week killed at least 18 people, including 13 on Saturday in the deadliest attack on the country in more than a decade, which also left hundreds wounded. The General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the extension in a statement to complete necessary procedures and verify the safety and operational readiness of the facilities, though it did not specify when flights would resume. A senior aviation source told AFP that operations would be halted for the remainder of the working week until at least Thursday based on messages sent to carriers. Additionally, a senior official from the Riyadh Metro stated that authorities suspended transport services to three stations serving the airport.

Context

Major international airports serve as crucial global transport hubs, meaning any extended closure directly disrupts regional travel routes and commercial flights across the Gulf. Aviation authorities routinely mandate thorough safety checks and facility repairs following security incidents before clearing a major hub for public operations.