RIYADH, October 11, 2026 — Yemen’s Houthi movement renewed its warning to airlines and travellers against using Saudi Arabian airports on Sunday, as another attack targeted Riyadh’s main international airport, deepening fears over aviation security and a wider escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
The latest developments followed Saturday’s deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport, which killed 12 people and injured more than 300, according to Saudi authorities. The attack was among the deadliest to hit the kingdom in more than a decade.
On Sunday, the Saudi-led coalition said an unidentified projectile struck the airport and caused a fire. Saudi air defences also intercepted a cruise missile near the facility, the coalition reported.
The airport remained closed following Saturday’s attack, disrupting air travel through one of Saudi Arabia’s principal international gateways.
In a statement, the Houthis warned airlines, airport employees and passengers against using Saudi airports and airspace, describing them as potential targets of further operations. The movement excluded airports serving the holy cities of Mecca and Medina from its warning.
The renewed threat comes as fighting intensifies between the Iran-backed Houthis and Yemeni government forces supported by Saudi Arabia.
The latest violence has heightened concerns about the safety of civilian aviation infrastructure and the potential consequences for international travellers.
Saudi authorities said the victims of Saturday’s attack included Saudi citizens and foreign nationals. Among those killed were citizens of the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, Egypt and Bangladesh.
The multinational death toll has drawn attention to the risks facing expatriate communities and international visitors in the kingdom.
The escalation also comes at a sensitive moment for regional security, as tensions involving Iran and the United States continue to affect diplomatic relations, maritime transportation and energy markets.
Washington condemned the attack, while President Donald Trump indicated that the United States was considering its response to the latest developments.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has maintained that attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and has signalled its intention to respond to threats against its territory.
Despite the disruption at Riyadh airport, the Saudi Energy Ministry said a previously scheduled international energy conference would proceed in the capital.
For travellers from Canada and the United States, particularly those with family or business connections in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, the developments underline the importance of checking flight status directly with airlines and consulting official travel advisories before departure.
The continuing confrontation has raised the possibility of further disruptions to regional air travel, although the duration and geographic extent of any restrictions remain uncertain.
As military operations continue in Yemen, the safety of Saudi airports and the prospects for containing the conflict remain central concerns for governments, airlines and travellers across the region.
