Saudi Arabia extends flight suspension after Houthi missile strike on Riyadh airport

Flight suspension extended

Saudi Arabia extended the suspension of all flights to and from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh after a Houthi missile strike on Monday. The Saudi aviation authority said the airport remained closed to verify safety.

Casualties and damage

The strike killed one person and left more than 300 injured, according to Saudi state TV. CCTV footage released by the Saudi media ministry showed passengers in smoke and falling masonry as the missile hit.

Security response

Saudi military officials said additional missile and drone threats had been detected. An urgent review of how Houthi missiles penetrate Saudi air defences is underway. The Houthis have also targeted Khamis Mushait and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

Context

The suspension comes as Saudi Arabia hosts the 25th WPC Energy Conference, where energy minister Abdulaziz bin Salman said “fear has no place in the Saudi lexicon.” The country has urged schoolchildren and office workers to work from home amid the attacks.

Diplomatic outreach

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi spoke to Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan on Sunday about possible mediation, as the Houthis are linked to Iran. A UN Security Council meeting is expected to debate a resolution labeling the Houthis as foreign terror.