Houthi Airport Strikes Force Global Airlines to Suspend Saudi Flights
Houthi rebels launched deadly strikes on Saudi airports, prompting multiple international airlines to cancel flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah.
A series of four military strikes by Houthi rebels on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport killed at least 18 people and wounded more than 300. The attacks, which utilized armed drones and missiles, also targeted Dammam and the headquarters of Saudi Aramco. King Khalid International Airport remains closed until October 17.
Saudi authorities paused public military warnings between September 29 and October 12 to avoid resident complaints and disruption, a security lapse that led several oil executives to withdraw from an international conference. Public alerts resumed on October 12 as hostilities escalated. The Houthi rebels characterized the strikes as retaliation for Saudi military operations in Yemen.
International aviation has responded with widespread suspensions. Indian carriers IndiGo and Akasa Air extended cancellations to various Saudi cities through October 24. Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam until October 18, while US-Bangla Airlines cancelled Riyadh routes until October 21. The disruptions have stranded over 15,000 passengers at Shahjalal International Airport, affecting flights from Saudia, Riyadh Air, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.
