A blast was heard at Riyadh airport on Saturday amid escalating Houthi missile strikes on Saudi Arabia, prompting major airlines including Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways to cancel multiple flights. The incident follows earlier attacks this week that killed four people and damaged infrastructure at King Khalid International Airport.
Saudi Arabia's coalition vowed a firm response after Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport killed three Saudi nationals on Thursday, destroying rocket launch platforms in retaliatory strikes. The attacks caused hundreds of flight cancellations and prompted international airlines to suspend operations, while the Iran-backed Houthis warned that oil installations remain targets in their ongoing conflict with the Saudi-led coalition since 2015.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said the carrier is evaluating whether to launch a new flight between Atlanta and Riyadh scheduled for October 23, following escalated attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels at Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport that killed three people. Bastian stated that safety will determine the decision, while competitor Lufthansa paused Saudi Arabia flights through at least October 16.
Saudi Arabia said three people, including a pilot, were killed in Houthi attacks on Riyadh's international airport on Thursday, marking an escalation in the Yemen conflict. The Iran-backed Houthis have expanded their offensive across the Red Sea, targeting Saudi oil facilities, transport hubs, and civilian infrastructure despite a Saudi-backed counteroffensive. The attacks disrupted flights and forced diplomatic staff to shelter in place, while Riyadh rejected ceasefire talks until Yemen's government recovers lost territory.