Passenger terminal in Riyadh airport struck again
Wertynews.com – The passenger terminal in Riyadh airport was hit again on Sunday, a day after an attack on King Khalid International Airport killed at least 12 people and injured hundreds. The renewed strike heightened concerns over aviation security in Saudi Arabia’s capital.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said people were injured in the latest incident and that officials were assessing the damage. Details about the scale of the attack were not immediately released.
The airport was closed on Sunday, with flights redirected to other destinations. Schools in Riyadh also moved to online learning as authorities responded to the security situation. The United States, Britain, Germany, Australia and Canada advised their citizens to avoid the airport.
Houthis claim attacks on Saudi targets
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement said it had conducted at least four operations against King Khalid International Airport since Saturday. Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said the attacks were a response to Saudi military action in Yemen.
“The airports and airspace are exposed to targeting and constitute a theatre of operations for our forces.”
Saree urged travelers to take the warning seriously, saying airports across Saudi Arabia could be targeted. The Houthis excluded the holy cities of Mecca and Medina from their warning.
The group also said Saudi Arabia had carried out more than 120 airstrikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen during the previous 24 hours. It identified the Shugadam gas facility, the Tanajib oil refinery and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam among other alleged targets.
Deadly strike disrupts travel through Riyadh
The earlier attack struck an area of the airport complex containing domestic terminals 3 and 4, according to a regional official who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
Saudi authorities said those killed included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals, and citizens of Palestine, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Sudan. Hospitals were treating 309 injured people, including some in serious condition.
Egyptian flight attendant Azza Ramzy, 28, who worked for Saudi airline Flynas, was among those killed. India’s embassy in Saudi Arabia said an Indian citizen wounded in the first Riyadh airport attack later died.
The closure of the passenger terminal in Riyadh airport affects more than scheduled departures. As a major domestic and international hub, Riyadh can see disruptions to arriving flights, onward connections and ground transport when security threats force diversions.
International leaders condemn the attacks
The attacks drew condemnation from the United Nations and international leaders. President Trump said he was considering joining Saudi strikes against the Houthis.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attacks, including the strike at King Khalid International Airport that killed civilians and an American citizen. A State Department spokesperson said the administration was in close contact with Saudi partners.
“The United States strongly condemns the recent attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the terrorist Houthis.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said attacks by Iran’s proxies threatened crucial transport and energy infrastructure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the attack and offered condolences to those affected.
FAQ: Riyadh airport travel disruption
Is Riyadh airport open after the attack?
Saudi authorities said the airport was closed on Sunday and flights were redirected. Travelers should check directly with their airline for the latest departure, arrival and rebooking information.
Which part of the airport was affected?
The attacks involved the airport complex that includes domestic terminals 3 and 4. Damage assessments and details from the latest strike were still under way.
What should travelers do if they have a flight through Riyadh?
Passengers should monitor airline notices, allow extra time for travel changes and avoid going to the airport unless their carrier confirms their flight is operating. Travelers should also follow official security guidance from Saudi authorities and their embassy.