RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s aviation network is facing a major security scare after Houthi missile and drone attacks targeted airports in Riyadh and Abha, reportedly killing three people, including a Saudia Airlines pilot, and injuring dozens.
Capt. Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami, a Saudia pilot and 1 of 3 Saudi citizens killed after Houthi missile strikes hit Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport twice yesterday. The attacks also left several people injured, while a Saudia passenger aircraft was damaged on the ground, although no passengers were on board.
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Saudi Arabia’s aviation network faces mounting disruption as Houthi rebels intensify missile and drone attacks, threaten international airlines and target strategic infrastructure in an escalating conflict that could turn into a prolonged regional confrontation. Saudi Arabia is facing a fresh security challenge as a wave of missile and drone attacks targeting its airports threatens civilian aviation, disrupts international travel and raises fears of a further escalation in the war linked to Yemen.
The escalating security situation has also disrupted international air travel, with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and several other carriers suspending or cancelling flights to Riyadh amid growing concerns over airport safety and the use of Saudi airspace.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) reported two attacks on King Khalid International Airport on Thursday. According to the authority, the first targeted airport facilities, while the second struck a Saudia Airlines aircraft.
Smoke was seen rising from an aircraft at the airport on Thursday morning, while diplomats and residents reported hearing explosions across different parts of the Saudi capital.
The attacks have heightened concerns over the vulnerability of civilian aviation infrastructure as the conflict intensifies and the Houthis expand their threats against Saudi territory.
The latest strikes came after the Houthis issued what they described as a final warning to international airlines operating through Saudi airspace. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that Saudi airspace had become a centre of the group’s military operations and took responsibility for another missile attack on King Khalid International Airport during the night between Wednesday and Thursday.
The attacks disrupted air traffic and caused damage to airport facilities and infrastructure. These claims were attributed to the Houthi side, while Saudi aviation authorities did not identify those responsible for the attacks in their initial account. Houthi spokesperson also claimed that the group had targeted Aden International Airport on Wednesday. The airport serves as a key international gateway for areas of Yemen outside Houthi control and has repeatedly been caught up in the country’s conflict.
The latest developments have raised the prospect of further disruption to regional aviation, particularly if threats against civilian airports continue.
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Some airports serve both civilian and military purposes, making them strategically significant during a conflict. Citrinowicz said that targeting such facilities could also be intended to weaken Saudi military capabilities or complicate its operations. However, he stressed that the broader strategy remains centred on retaliating against restrictions on Yemen by creating disruption inside Saudi Arabia.
Airports offer particularly attractive pressure point because disruptions can affect government officials, ordinary citizens, international travellers and commercial airlines simultaneously.
The latest escalation is unfolding alongside intensified fighting inside Yemen. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that Saudi warplanes had carried out 59 air and missile strikes over the preceding 24 hours across Sanaa and the provinces of Al Jawf, Taiz, Marib, Hajjah, Saada, Al Hudaydah, Lahij, Raymah, Ibb and Al Bayda.
The latest attacks have also renewed questions about the ability of Saudi air defences to prevent missiles and drones from reaching sensitive infrastructure.
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