Many individuals sustained injuries in an explosion at Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday, as confirmed by witnesses and informed sources. The incident led to the evacuation of travelers from certain areas within the facility. Eyewitnesses described witnessing the blast and observing multiple injured individuals on the airport premises, with numerous ambulances swiftly responding to the scene.
The Saudi government’s media office and the Saudi civil aviation authority did not provide immediate comments on the situation. This event occurred amidst a series of missile attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis on Saudi Arabia. The airport had been targeted twice earlier in the week, resulting in casualties and significant damage to an aircraft.
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Saturday that the U.S. is considering participation in Saudi strikes against the Houthis. Flight-tracking data displayed all flights to Riyadh being diverted or canceled, with only a helicopter seen above the airport at one point. The airport advised passengers to liaise directly with their airlines for flight status updates.
In response to the security situation, the Canadian Embassy in Saudi Arabia recommended avoiding travel to King Khalid International Airport. Kuwait Airways canceled flights to and from Riyadh due to the airport closure amid security concerns. Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways also canceled multiple flights to and from Riyadh following recent Houthi attacks.
Despite the disruptions, organizers affirmed that scheduled energy and investment conferences in Riyadh would proceed as planned, emphasizing attendee safety. The Houthis had previously warned against airliners using Saudi airspace, considering it a military zone following recent hostilities. Travelers were urged to monitor local media, adhere to authorities’ directives, and verify flight statuses directly with airlines.
