Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport Resumes Operations Following Deadly Houthi Attacks

Saudi Arabia has reopened Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport following attacks by the Houthis that resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries. According to a social media statement released on Friday by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the previous day's strikes impacted airport facilities as well as an aircraft belonging to the state carrier Saudia.

The Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi airports this week amidst an ongoing offensive by the Riyadh-backed, internationally recognized Yemen government. GACA reported that Thursday's strikes caused both material damage and injuries ranging from minor to severe. Airport operations have since resumed, and air traffic has returned to normal levels.

Saudia Airlines confirmed that one of its pilots, Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, was killed and an aircraft damaged during the incident at the Riyadh airport. In recent days, Saudi Arabia has faced several Houthi attacks primarily targeting airports, including previous strikes at Abha, King Khalid, Jazan, and Najran airports.

A Houthi military spokesperson claimed responsibility for launching a ballistic missile toward King Khalid airport on Thursday. This campaign resembles tactics seen last month, when coalition forces intercepted and destroyed suspected ballistic missiles and fuel storage areas near the airport were targeted. The Houthis have warned aviation companies to avoid Saudi airspace entirely.

The renewed aerial assaults coincide with a counteroffensive by Yemeni forces against the Houthis, following the rebel group's seizure of territory along the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The escalating conflict has drawn broader international concern, with Pakistan and Turkiye having agreed to deploy troops under a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia. A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed a substantial presence of forces and resources in Riyadh for territorial defense.

In response, the Saudi-led coalition announced the destruction of three Houthi rocket launch platforms. Colonel Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the coalition, stated that attacks on civilians and civilian facilities will be met with resolute action, noting recent targeted military operations against Houthi reinforcements.