Saudi Arabia Extends Flight Suspensions at Major Airports After Houthi Attacks

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has extended the suspension of flights at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport following renewed missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis. Authorities said the airport will remain closed until October 17.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation said operations were suspended to complete procedures ensuring the safety and operational readiness of airport facilities. Around 99.7 per cent of scheduled flights were cancelled on Sunday, while several international airlines suspended or cancelled services to the Saudi capital.
Saudi officials said Saturday’s strike on King Khalid International Airport killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300, while another attack on Sunday killed one person. The overall death toll has been reported as 14.
The Houthis also claimed attacks on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and two Saudi Aramco facilities, although damage to the oil installations has not been independently confirmed.
US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering joining Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against the Houthis. “We may. We’re going to look at it,” he told reporters when asked whether the US would support Saudi strikes.
The US Embassy in Riyadh advised American citizens to exercise extreme caution when using major Saudi airports. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the kingdom would respond to attacks on its airports and energy infrastructure, adding that “there is no place for fear in the Saudi dictionary.”
The Houthis said their attacks were a response to Saudi strikes on areas under their control in western Yemen. Amid fears of a wider regional conflict and energy-supply disruption, Brent crude rose above $105 per barrel on Monday, while US crude traded above $92 per barrel.