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Saudi Arabia

Riyad airport moves flights to two terminals after Houthi attacks

Turkey Brief
Turkey Brief
Riyad airport moves flights to two terminals after Houthi attacks

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King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh said that, as of today, domestic flights will operate from Terminal 1 and international services of national carriers from Terminal 2. Passengers were told to check flight status with their airlines before traveling to the airport.

The airport, which has been targeted by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, did not explain the reason for spreading flights across the two terminals. Flights had been suspended and damage was reported at terminals 3 and 4 after earlier strikes.

Flights redistributed across two terminals

King Khalid International Airport announced on the account of the U.S.-based social media platform X that domestic flights will depart from Terminal 1 as of today, while international flights operated by national airlines will use Terminal 2.

The statement urged passengers with bookings to contact their airlines and confirm the status of their flights before heading to the airport. No explanation was given for the redistribution of flights between the two terminals.

Earlier strikes killed 17 and injured 333

Arab Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki el-Maliki said the airport was hit by 20 attacks between October 7 and 11, consisting of 10 ballistic missiles and 10 unmanned aerial vehicles. Maliki said 17 people were killed and 333 were wounded in those attacks.

The strikes caused damage to terminals 3 and 4 at the airport and flights were suspended as a result. The Houthis announced on October 23 that they had carried out a new attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, but Saudi authorities did not confirm it.

Houthis vow to keep targeting the airport

The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen said they will continue attacking King Khalid International Airport, the facility in the Saudi capital from which flights are now reported to operate out of two terminals.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Seri said on the account of the U.S.-based social media platform X that the Houthis view the airport as "a military target." Seri argued the airport is not safe and warned all airlines against using it, adding that attacks on the facility would continue.

Drone intercepted over Riyadh

Maj. Gen. Turki el-Maliki said on the account of the U.S.-based social media platform X that a drone was intercepted and destroyed in the Riyadh area.

Yemen has been in a civil war since the Iran-backed Houthis seized the capital Sana'a and some provinces in September 2014. The Saudi-led Arab Coalition has been supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government since March 2015.

Fighting between government forces and the Houthis has intensified in recent period. The Houthis claim they are being attacked and have been striking Saudi Arabia with ballistic missiles and drones.

Key takeaways

  • King Khalid International Airport says domestic flights now use Terminal 1 and national carriers' international flights use Terminal 2.
  • Coalition spokesman Turki el-Maliki says 20 strikes between October 7 and 11 killed 17 people and injured 333.
  • Damage from the attacks hit terminals 3 and 4, and flights were suspended.
  • Houthi military spokesman Yahya Seri calls the airport a military target and warns airlines away from it.
Turkey Brief
Turkey Brief

Editor at Turkey Brief.

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