Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Target Riyadh and Dammam Airports

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement has escalated its campaign against Saudi Arabia, targeting major airports, energy infrastructure and other strategic facilities, raising fresh concerns over regional aviation security and the stability of Gulf transport networks.

The latest developments saw yet another attack on Riyadh's international airport, Sunday. Saudi authorities also reported an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam earlier in the day. Damage assessments and safety inspections were under way.

On October 10, a Houthi-claimed attack on Riyadh airport killed 13 people and injured more than 300, according to Reuters. A further attack on the airport on October 11 killed one person and injured 11 others after a projectile struck Terminal 4, causing a fire. Saudi air defences also intercepted a cruise missile near the airport.

The latest incidents follow attacks earlier in the week on King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan and Najran International Airport, which reportedly injured three people and caused material damage.

Subsequent strikes targeted Abha International Airport and Riyadh, with Saudi authorities reporting three deaths and 36 injuries in those incidents.

For airlines, cargo operators and regional supply chains, the escalation presents risks beyond passenger travel. Airport closures, diversions, insurance costs and disruptions to air-freight schedules could affect the movement of time-sensitive shipments across the Gulf.

Consequently, several airlines have suspended flights to Saudi airports after multiple Houthi warnings about the rebels' use of Saudi airspace.

With Riyadh and Dammam now among the reported targets, the attacks underline the growing vulnerability of civilian aviation infrastructure as the conflict in Yemen spills further into the region.

The security situation has prompted renewed travel warnings. Numerous foreign offices have advised nationals to avoid King Khalid International Airport until it is considered secure and warned of a heightened threat to airports, military installations, ports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia.

Potential flight cancellations and periodic airspace closures remain concerns.

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