Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement renewed a stern warning on Sunday against using Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, maintaining that the major aviation hub remains a legitimate military target. The fresh threat arrived mere hours after airport management announced plans to resume flight services by designating specific terminals following a weeks-long suspension.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree issued the declaration, stating that operations targeting the facility would continue. Saree directly warned all commercial airlines, airport personnel, and civilian travelers against utilizing the airport.
The warning follows a strategic administrative update issued late Saturday by King Khalid International Airport officials. Under the new schedule, Terminal 1 was designated for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 was assigned to international flights operated by national carriers starting Sunday.
Commercial operations at the Saudi capital’s primary airport had been completely halted since October 10. That shutdown was triggered by a destructive attack claimed by the Houthis that resulted in the deaths of 13 people and left more than 300 others wounded, marking the deadliest incident recorded inside the kingdom in over a decade. Airport authorities extended the operational suspension two days after the initial strike.
The resumption of limited terminal activity comes amid an escalating cycle of hostilities in the region. The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Saudi infrastructure, firing ballistic missiles and unmanned drones at airports, ports, and oil installations, utilizing the campaign to exert pressure on the U.S. ally amidst the broader regional conflict.
In response to the persistent threat environment, Saudi Arabia has intensified its military engagement in Yemen in recent weeks. The kingdom has launched targeted airstrikes against Houthi positions and increased military backing for allied government counteroffensives, following Houthi seizures of strategic territory along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
