A projectile struck the passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Sunday, injuring travelers and airport staff, according to Saudi authorities. The incident occurred just one day after a deadly missile attack on the same airport killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300. Saudi officials described the attacks as a coordinated escalation by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have frequently targeted Saudi infrastructure in recent years.
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The back-to-back strikes have raised new concerns about the safety of air travel in Saudi Arabia and the stability of the wider region. The attacks highlight the ongoing threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthis to civilian infrastructure, as well as the persistent volatility stemming from the conflict in Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition, which has been engaged in military operations against the Houthis in Yemen since 2015, reported that Sunday’s strike targeted terminals 3 and 4 at King Khalid International Airport. These terminals primarily serve domestic flights. Authorities confirmed that travelers and airport staff were injured in the latest incident, though they did not immediately specify the number or severity of casualties.
Houthi Claims and Motives
The Houthis claimed responsibility for Saturday’s deadly missile strike, as well as for other recent attacks on Saudi targets. The group has repeatedly targeted airports, oil facilities, and other infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, often stating that such actions are retaliation for Saudi-led airstrikes and military operations in Yemen.
"Houthis claimed responsibility for Saturday’s deadly strike, as well as other attacks."
— Just the News reporting
Casualties from Airport Attack
Saturday’s attack on King Khalid International Airport resulted in at least 12 deaths and more than 300 injuries, according to Saudi officials. The coalition described the strike as a deliberate targeting of civilians and vowed to respond to further aggression. The incident marked one of the deadliest attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure in recent years and underscored the ongoing risks faced by both residents and visitors in the kingdom.
King Khalid International Airport is one of the busiest in the region, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport includes multiple terminals and handles millions of passengers each year. The recent attacks have disrupted operations, leading to flight delays and cancellations, and have heightened security concerns for travelers, airlines, and airport staff.
The Saudi government has not yet detailed its response to the latest series of attacks. However, officials have condemned the strikes and called for international support to counter what they describe as Iranian-backed destabilization efforts in the region. The Houthis, meanwhile, have continued to assert that their actions are justified responses to ongoing Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
The broader conflict between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels has resulted in repeated cross-border attacks over the past several years. Both sides have accused each other of targeting civilians and violating international law. The conflict has contributed to a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with millions displaced and in need of aid.
As of Sunday, airport authorities in Riyadh were assessing the extent of the damage to terminals 3 and 4 and working to restore normal operations. Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene, providing medical assistance to the injured and securing the affected areas. No further details on the condition of those hurt in Sunday’s incident were immediately available.
The attacks on King Khalid International Airport have drawn condemnation from several countries and international organizations, who have called for restraint and a renewed push for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Yemen. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation if retaliatory actions are taken by either side.
The Saudi-led coalition has stated that it will continue its efforts to defend the kingdom’s territory and protect civilians from further attacks. Meanwhile, the Houthis have indicated that they will persist in targeting Saudi infrastructure as long as military operations in Yemen continue. The cycle of violence underscores the challenges facing efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the region.
As investigations into the latest attacks continue, authorities are urging travelers to monitor official updates and exercise caution when traveling through affected airports. The full impact of the strikes on airport operations and regional security remains to be seen, as both sides brace for possible further confrontations.
