Riyadh Airport Resumes Flights at Two Terminals Despite Houthi Threat

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is due to resume operations on Sunday through two terminals, even as Yemen's Houthi movement renewed its warning against using the facility. Terminal 1 will handle domestic flights. Terminal 2 will serve international flights operated by Saudi national carriers.

The airport announced the arrangement on Saturday. Passengers with confirmed bookings were advised to check their flight status with their airlines before travelling to the airport. The announcement does not establish that all airlines or international routes will return to normal at once.

The October 10 attack

Operations at the airport were suspended on October 10 after a deadly attack claimed by the Houthis, and the closure was later extended while authorities assessed the situation. According to Reuters, the attack killed 13 people and injured more than 300. It was among the deadliest attacks in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade. The long disruption has affected air travel, as Saudi Arabia faces a growing security threat to its airports and other critical infrastructure.

The reopening follows a series of attacks attributed to the Houthis that have targeted Saudi infrastructure during the wider regional conflict.

New warning from the Houthis

Hours after the reopening announcement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree repeated the group's warning. He described the airport as a "military target" and said operations against it would continue. The statement cautioned airlines, airport employees and travellers against using the airport.

The Houthis are stepping up attacks on Saudi airports, ports and oil installations amid escalating regional hostilities. Saudi Arabia has also increased its military involvement in Yemen, carrying out strikes against the group and backing a government counteroffensive after Houthi forces seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast.

The US State Department keeps a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory for Saudi Arabia. It was updated on October 23 and cites an increased threat of potential armed attacks by Iranian-supported Houthi forces, as well as Iranian efforts to target US government officials in the region. The advisory warns of drone and missile attacks, armed conflict and terrorism, and advises against travel to the Saudi-Yemen border region. The advisory level and risk indicators were unchanged.

Source: Outlook India