Saudi Arabia reopens Riyadh airport despite ongoing threats from Houthis

Saudi Arabia has reopened King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, UPI and rte.ie reported on October 25. The facility resumed operations at two terminals despite warnings from Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen that the airport remains a military target. Officials advised travelers to check their booking statuses before going to the airport, UPI reported. [1][3]

The airport was shuttered following an October 10 attack that killed 13 people and injured more than 300, UPI and rte.ie reported. A cruise missile launched by the Houthis slammed into a terminal, causing what rte.ie described as the deadliest incident in the kingdom in more than a decade. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Saudi civil aviation operations were suspended after the strikes. [1][3][11][12]

The reopening comes amid widespread military activity across the region. Saudi coalition forces intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile and a drone over Riyadh, Al Jazeera reported. Al Jazeera and CNBC also reported that Saudi air defences intercepted a broader barrage of projectiles and drones aimed at multiple cities, including Mecca province. [2][4][6]

Saudi Civil Defence reported that falling shrapnel from intercepted missiles landed in Jeddah, Taif, Rabigh, and Mecca province, according to Al Jazeera. In the southern region of the country, interception of Houthi missiles caused two injuries, Al Jazeera said. The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks targeting both airports and energy sites, according to CNBC. [4][5][6]

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree issued a warning to passengers and airlines regarding the Riyadh facility, UPI reported. United States President Donald Trump ruled out immediate military action against Iran, stating that there would not be a strike on Sunday, according to Al Jazeera. [1][2]