Houthis Threaten Further Attacks as Riyadh Airport Prepares to Reopen

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement has renewed its warning against using Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, declaring the facility a military target even as airport authorities prepare to resume some flight operations following a suspension earlier this month.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned airlines, airport employees and travellers to stay away from the airport, saying operations targeting the facility would continue. The warning came hours after airport authorities announced plans to reopen two terminals for selected flights from Sunday.

Under the announced arrangement, Terminal 1 will handle domestic flights, while Terminal 2 will serve international flights operated by Saudi national carriers.

Airport operations were suspended on October 10 following an attack claimed by the Houthis that reportedly killed 13 people and injured more than 300. The shutdown was extended two days later as authorities assessed the security situation.

The attack was described in reports as Saudi Arabia’s deadliest in more than a decade, intensifying concerns over the safety of civilian aviation amid the widening regional conflict.

The renewed threat comes as the Houthis continue to target Saudi interests, including airports, ports and oil installations, using missiles and drones. The group has framed its campaign as retaliation for Saudi Arabia’s military involvement in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia has stepped up its military operations against the Houthis and backed a counteroffensive by Yemen’s internationally recognised government after the movement seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast last month.

The latest developments have raised concerns over the potential disruption of air travel and the risks facing passengers, airline staff and airport workers. Aviation authorities and airlines must weigh the planned resumption of services against the continuing threats and the broader security situation.

The dispute forms part of a wider escalation involving regional powers and the Houthis, whose attacks have increasingly threatened transport and energy infrastructure beyond Yemen.

It remains unclear how the renewed warning will affect the airport’s planned operations or whether additional security measures will be introduced. Travellers scheduled to fly through Riyadh are advised to check directly with their airlines and follow official travel and aviation advisories.