Flights at Riyadh’s main international airport have been suspended until Saturday following a series of missile attacks by Houthi forces that have raised significant concerns about aviation safety and Saudi Arabia’s air defenses. The attacks, which began with a deadly strike on Saturday killing 13 people and injuring over 300, have prompted a review of the kingdom’s security measures, with some schoolchildren and office workers advised to stay home as a precaution.
The escalation has severely impacted aviation operations, with several airlines canceling flights amid fears of further attacks. Previous Houthi strikes have already caused damage to aircraft and fuel facilities connected to Riyadh airport, underscoring the increasing threat to critical infrastructure in the region.
In response to the repeated missile penetrations of its air defense systems, Saudi Arabia has launched an urgent review of its security protocols. The kingdom is under pressure to safeguard a wide network of vital installations, including government buildings, airports, energy facilities, and infrastructure hubs.
Despite the ongoing security crisis, Saudi officials are striving to reassure international investors and energy markets. Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has emphasized the country’s resilience in the face of attacks, while Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser warned of the global economic consequences of threats to regional energy infrastructure.
The Houthi group has issued further threats against Saudi airports and oil facilities, advising workers to avoid potential target sites and warning of retaliatory actions if the United States engages directly in military operations against Yemen. Meanwhile, fighting continues in Yemen, particularly around Taiz, where Saudi airstrikes have targeted Houthi positions amidst worsening humanitarian conditions.
Efforts to diplomatically resolve the conflict remain uncertain. Iran has explored mediating between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, but proposed ceasefires have yet to yield agreements. The Houthis are calling for a comprehensive political settlement, cautioning that ongoing hostilities could exacerbate regional instability and result in greater losses for all parties involved.
The ongoing violence poses a threat to Saudi Arabia’s regional stability efforts and its plans to diversify its economy beyond oil. Continued attacks on critical infrastructure could disrupt travel, weaken investor confidence, and add to the uncertainty affecting global energy markets.