A missile struck a passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, leaving several people injured and prompting an evacuation, according to a report by The Associated Press (AP). The attack came amid a series of assaults on Saudi Arabia as the conflict involving Iran and its regional adversaries continues to escalate.
Two regional officials confirmed the attack, with one saying that a missile had hit the terminal and wounded several people. They spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to comment publicly. Ambulances were seen heading towards the airport following the strike.
The latest attack came two days after three Saudi citizens, including a pilot, were killed amid the ongoing hostilities.
Flights diverted as Riyadh airport faces fresh attack
Air traffic at the airport was disrupted following the incident. According to flight-tracking platform Flightradar24, flights heading to Riyadh were diverted to other destinations. The last flight had landed at 2.05 pm, nearly four hours before the report.
Kuwait Airways announced cancellations after the airport was shut, while Canada's embassy advised its citizens against travelling to the facility, citing "ongoing military activity."
The airport issued an alert asking passengers to check their flight status with airlines before setting out. FlightAware reported that at least 225 flights at the airport had been cancelled over the preceding 24 hours.
King Khalid International Airport has come under attack multiple times in the past week. The earlier strikes followed a major military offensive launched by a Saudi-led coalition against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen. The Houthis had claimed responsibility for previous attacks, including one on Wednesday that killed a Sudanese national.
There was no immediate statement from the group following Saturday's incident. Saudi Arabia's government-run Center for International Communication, which handles foreign media relations, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Riyadh resident Ahmed Sayed told AP that he heard at least two loud explosions in the Saudi capital.
Houthis warn airlines as regional tensions rise
The latest incident comes as fighting intensifies in Yemen between Houthi rebels and forces aligned with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. The Saudi-led coalition has been providing air support to government forces seeking to reverse recent Houthi advances along the Red Sea.
The rebels' gains have raised concerns over shipping security along the strategic corridor, which offers an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has been attacking ships.
Although the Houthis have told AP and other media outlets that their targets are limited to Saudi shipping as part of a blockade retaliation, concerns remain over the possibility of wider attacks. The group had previously targeted ships following the outbreak of the Gaza war, describing its actions as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians.
This week, the Houthis warned international airlines "for the last time" about the potential consequences of operating in Saudi airspace, which they described as a theatre for their military operations.
Air India, FlyDubai, Lufthansa Group and Pakistan International Airlines are among the carriers that have suspended flights to and from Riyadh and other Saudi airports for the next few days.
Aviation safety concerns grow
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has expanded its guidance on Saudi airspace, citing the Houthis' ability to strike targets deeper inside the kingdom, including Riyadh, and a "greater focus on aviation infrastructure."
It warned that missile and drone attacks, along with interception efforts, "create an increased risk of misidentification of civil aircraft."
Saudi Arabia has sought assistance from the United States and other allies as airports, military facilities and oil infrastructure have come under attack. Officials said US support for the latest offensive has included intelligence sharing, target identification and planning.
US President Donald Trump, when asked about the Riyadh airport attacks outside the White House on Friday, told reporters, "It's not good" and "I'm not happy."
Meanwhile, Saudi and Omani foreign ministers discussed the need for "supporting diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions" in the region, according to the Saudi government. Oman has previously played a mediating role in regional disputes.
Saudi authorities have also warned the public that "filming, publishing or sharing information related to countering missiles and drones and their impact sites exposes you to legal liability."
Separately, Saudi Arabia's national carrier said on Thursday that one of its aircraft had been damaged while on the ground. No passengers were on board at the time.