Saudi Forces Shoot Down Missile Near Riyadh As Airport Closure Continues

Saudi forces shot down a Houthi ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh on Monday night, while King Khalid International Airport remained closed following a series of deadly attacks. The Saudi-led coalition destroyed the missile, and Civil Defence confirmed that the danger in the capital had passed. The Houthis claimed they targeted the airport, and their spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated the hit was precise.

Flight Suspensions

The Riyadh airport will stay closed until 17 October under a Notice to Airmen. The civil aviation authority extended the suspension to check facility safety. Aviation data firm Cirium reported that 486 of 1,048 flights due to leave Saudi Arabia on Monday were cancelled, which is nearly half. Another 271 flights are already cancelled for Tuesday, and Gulf Air cancelled its Riyadh flights until 17 October.

Casualties And Context

An Indian national named Mohammed Yousuf Ali died in the 10 October attack on the airport, according to the Indian embassy. His family held his funeral in Riyadh, with Indian ambassador Vipul in attendance. Three injured Indians remain in intensive care, and two more have been admitted to intensive care.

Context

Missile and drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in the region cause major disruptions to international aviation and travel. Major airports routinely suspend operations during security alerts to inspect facilities and protect passengers from potential hazards.