Saudi Capital Airport Hit by Second Houthi Strike in exact Two Days
Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was hit by another projectile on Sunday, October 11, just one day after a deadly attack killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300 others.
The latest strike caused a fire at Terminal 4 and left an unspecified number of people injured, according to Saudi aviation authorities. Officials said they were assessing the damage and checking the safety of airport facilities.
The incident has increased concerns about security across Saudi Arabia as fighting between the kingdom and Yemen’s Houthi rebels intensifies.
Second Attack Raises Security Concerns
The latest attack came after a devastating strike on Saturday, October 10, targeted the same airport complex. Saudi authorities initially reported 12 deaths and more than 300 injuries.
India’s embassy later confirmed that an Indian national who had been injured in Saturday’s attack had died. This raised the reported death toll to at least 13.
The victims included Saudi citizens and foreign nationals. Many of the injured were taken to hospitals for treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said an unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4 on Sunday and started a fire. Saudi air defence systems also intercepted a cruise missile near King Khalid International Airport.
Authorities have not released a complete assessment of the damage caused by the second strike.
Houthis Warn Travellers Against Using Saudi Airports
Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi targets and renewed warnings against using the kingdom’s airports and airspace.
The group said Saudi airports could face further attacks while Saudi Arabia continues its military involvement in Yemen.
The Houthis have been fighting the internationally recognised Yemeni government for years. Saudi Arabia has supported the government and carried out military operations against the group.
The latest attacks mark a sharp escalation in the conflict. They have also raised concerns about the safety of civilians, airport workers and international travellers.
Although the Houthis claimed responsibility for earlier attacks, Saudi officials described Sunday’s airport strike as involving an unidentified projectile while investigations and damage assessments continued.
Riyadh Airport Remains Closed
King Khalid International Airport remained closed following Saturday’s deadly attack as authorities worked to assess the damage and establish whether the facilities could operate safely.
The closure disrupted air travel, with flights affected by cancellations, delays and diversions. Several foreign governments also issued travel warnings advising their citizens to avoid affected airports or limit non-essential travel.
The British Embassy in Saudi Arabia advised against all but essential travel to Jeddah and Dammam and warned against using most airports in the kingdom, while US aviation authorities urged American airlines to exercise caution when operating in or over Saudi Arabia.
Saudi officials have not provided a definitive timeline for the full resumption of airport operations.
The disruption also created challenges for travellers, airlines and businesses that depend on Riyadh’s international connections.
Other Saudi Targets Reported
The airport attack formed part of a wider series of incidents reported across Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis said they had also targeted King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, along with facilities belonging to Saudi oil company Aramco.
Saudi aviation authorities confirmed an incident involving King Fahd International Airport and said inspections and damage assessments were underway.
A witness at Dammam airport told Reuters that a projectile struck the tarmac near parked aircraft, causing a fire. Passengers were subsequently told to leave their aircraft.
Saudi air defences also intercepted a drone in the Eastern Province, according to the Saudi-led coalition.
These incidents have raised concerns about possible threats to commercial aviation and energy infrastructure, both of which are important to the Saudi economy.
Conflict Could Escalate Further
The attacks come as Saudi Arabia increases its military involvement in Yemen and supports efforts by Yemeni government forces to regain territory from the Houthis.
The group has warned that further Saudi military action could lead to additional attacks. Its statements have raised fears that the conflict could spread further across the region.
US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering whether to join Saudi military operations against the Houthis. However, no final decision on direct US participation had been announced in the reports available on Sunday.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, also said Tehran was willing to help facilitate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
For now, Saudi authorities face the immediate challenge of securing airports, assessing the damage and supporting those affected by the attacks.
The second strike on Riyadh’s airport within two days highlights the growing risks facing civilian transport infrastructure as the conflict intensifies. Further developments are expected as authorities investigate the latest incident and determine when normal airport operations can resume.
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