Flights have been disrupted after a ballistic missile struck Riyadh’s airport in an attack claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Almost half of departures from King Khalid International Airport had been cancelled by 3pm yesterday (8 October), according to aviation analytics company Cirium, with a further 31 cancellations expected across Saudi Arabia’s airports today.
Lufthansa and three Indian airlines, Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air, have suspended flights to the Saudi capital following the attack, with all travellers advised to contact airlines to check the status of flights.
A parked Saudia Airlines aircraft caught fire and was badly damaged in the incident on Thursday, Reuters reported.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) continues to advise against all but essential travel to Riyadh province, as well as Aseer province, Najran province, Jizan province and Taif city and Taif International Airport. It advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has not yet commented on the latest attack, but said three people were killed in airport strikes earlier this week.
The Houthis said they were targeting Saudi Arabia because of its support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government in the civil war.
The FCDO advice said: “Since 13 July, the Houthis (a military group in Yemen) have launched missiles and drones targeting several locations in Saudi Arabia. There is a heightened threat against airports, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including Abha, Jizan, Najran, Riyadh, Jeddah and Yanbu, as well as shipping in the Red Sea. Further attacks are possible.
“British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruption.”
