Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missile, extends Riyadh airport closure

Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile heading towards Khamis Mushayt early Monday, as authorities extended the suspension of operations at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport following repeated attacks.

Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for the coalition supporting Yemen’s government, announced the interception on X. The coalition also said it had detected threats from drones and cruise missiles targeting Saudi Arabia and was working to counter them.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense issued an alert warning of a potential attack on nearby Abha in the southwestern Asir region, before later announcing that the danger had passed.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation said Monday’s extension of the Riyadh airport closure would allow inspections to establish the safety and operational readiness of its facilities, in coordination with other authorities.

Operations had been suspended following a deadly attack on Saturday. On Sunday, an unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4, causing a fire that killed one man and injured 11 others, according to the aviation authority.

The injured were taken to hospital while authorities assessed the damage. Sunday’s incident was the fourth reported strike on the airport in five days. Coalition forces also reported intercepting and destroying a cruise missile near the airport.

Footage broadcast by Saudi state television showed pilgrims queuing at a departure gate during Saturday’s attack before a bright orange flash sent them running. Sections of the roof appeared to collapse.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack and said they had also struck King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and two Saudi Aramco facilities.

Saudi aviation authorities confirmed that Dammam’s airport had been targeted Sunday evening, with damage assessments and safety inspections underway. The claims concerning the Aramco facilities were not independently confirmed in the statements cited.

The incidents follow missile and drone attacks on southwestern Saudi Arabia, including Khamis Mushayt and Abha in Asir, as well as Jazan and Najran near the Yemeni border.

The repeated targeting of airports has raised concerns about civilian infrastructure and further escalation as Saudi Arabia continues to support Yemen’s internationally recognised government in its conflict with the Houthis.

Diplomatic contacts continued alongside the military developments. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed regional tensions and efforts to reduce the conflict with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Sunday, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Araqchi said Iran was ready to help facilitate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Bahrain, the United Kingdom, Jordan and the European Union also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia following the attacks on Riyadh’s airport.