On Saturday, Riyadh's airport was attacked and subsequently evacuated, following a series of assaults linked to the ongoing conflict with Houthi rebels in Yemen. This escalation comes just days after three Saudi citizens were killed in related violence. Air traffic to the airport has been halted, with at least 225 flights canceled in the past 24 hours, as the situation continues to deteriorate.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for previous attacks, raising concerns about their capability to target deeper within Saudi territory, including critical infrastructure. The U.S. has provided some intelligence support to Saudi Arabia, but no immediate military assistance has been indicated.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also issued warnings regarding the risks associated with flying in Saudi airspace, leading several airlines to suspend operations. This ongoing conflict not only threatens regional stability but also poses risks to international aviation, which could have broader economic implications