Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group intensified missile attacks on Saudi Arabia on Thursday, targeting Riyadh and other areas as the renewed conflict disrupted air travel and raised fresh concerns over the security of the kingdom’s infrastructure.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on Riyadh airport and warned workers to stay away from energy facilities, which they said could also be targeted.
A Saudia Airlines aircraft was heavily damaged after catching fire while parked at a terminal at Riyadh airport. Three people briefed on the incident said shrapnel from an intercepted missile or another projectile struck the aircraft.
No passengers were believed to be aboard at the time, although the sources could not confirm whether anyone was injured. Video verified by Reuters showed smoke and flames rising from the airport.
Saudi authorities separately said debris from an intercepted missile struck a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh.
The attacks prompted Lufthansa and Air India to suspend flights to Riyadh, while aviation data showed significant disruption at the airport.
Cirium data showed that almost half of departures from Riyadh airport had been cancelled by 1500 GMT on Thursday, with 31 further cancellations expected across Saudi airports on Friday. Flight-tracking service FlightRadar24 also reported numerous delays.
The airport advised passengers to check with their airlines before travelling.
Saudi authorities said three people had been killed this week in Houthi attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports.
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The Houthis say their attacks are in response to Saudi Arabia’s support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is fighting to regain territory from the group.
The renewed conflict has intensified alongside the wider US-Iran war, increasing concerns that other countries could become involved. Saudi Arabia has sought support from allies, including Turkey and Pakistan, while Syria is considering military assistance.
Turkey said it was providing mainly defensive and technical support, including military equipment, intelligence sharing and weapons systems.
The latest escalation follows the collapse of a ceasefire that had largely halted Yemen’s civil war since 2022. The Houthis seized parts of the Red Sea coast last month, including areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while Saudi-backed forces have launched counterattacks to regain territory.
The fighting has also displaced about 200,000 people since the conflict resumed, deepening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Several multinational companies in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District also instructed staff to work from home after explosions were heard in the city.
The escalation comes as Riyadh prepares to host the WPC Energy Congress, a major gathering of energy policymakers.
