Riyadh keeps airport closed after deadly attack
The airport closure has been extended as the Houthis threaten new attacks and international leaders respond.
Follow-up to: New attack on Riyadh airport claims twelve lives Sunday, 11 October 2026, 05:44
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Saudi Arabia is keeping Riyadh's international airport closed for longer after an attack in which twelve people were killed on Saturday and more than 300 injured. The Houthis are threatening new attacks, but independent sources have not established responsibility for the attack.
The closure of King Khalid International Airport has, according to the Associated Press, been extended until at least Sunday evening. The measure followed the deadliest attack in the recent series of attacks on Saudi airports. The Saudi aviation authority reported twelve deaths and 309 injuries.
The attack represents a new escalation in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement in Yemen. The Houthis are backed by Iran and have been carrying out attacks on Saudi targets since this summer. Saudi Arabia, in turn, supports Yemen's internationally recognised government.
According to AP, the Houthis warned that airports in Saudi Arabia could remain targets. The movement's military spokesperson said people should take warnings seriously. The Houthis also claimed that Saudi Arabia had again carried out airstrikes on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. On Sunday, there had been no response from the Saudi authorities and no casualties had been reported.
Saudi Arabia attributes responsibility for the attack on Riyadh to the Houthis. The movement has previously claimed attacks on Saudi airports, but the available reporting provides no independent verification of the weapons used or of all claims about the direct circumstances.
The attack prompted condemnations on Sunday from several Arab countries, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Von der Leyen warned that attacks on transport and energy infrastructure could further destabilise the region.
The consequences extend beyond the airport itself. Riyadh is an important hub for passenger traffic, and the Houthis have threatened to target other infrastructure and shipping as well. On Sunday, it was still unclear whether the international reactions would lead to diplomatic pressure or a military counter-response.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Saudi Arabia reported twelve deaths and 309 injuries in an attack on Riyadh airport.
- Saudi Arabia attributed the attack to the Houthis.
- The Houthis threatened new attacks and accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes on Sanaa.
- International leaders condemned the attack.
Left
Arguments The priority should be protecting civilians and bringing the escalation to an immediate end. Under this approach, further Saudi bombing will probably cause more civilian casualties and new retaliatory attacks.
Values International law, civilian protection and diplomatic de-escalation.
Consequences A military response could intensify the cycle of violence and worsen the humanitarian situation in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Centre
Arguments Attacks on a civilian airport should be condemned, while all claims about responsibility should at the same time be carefully investigated. The institutional route runs through international mediation, targeted sanctions and pressure on all parties.
Values Rule of law, proportionality and reliable fact-finding.
Consequences A limited, internationally coordinated response could increase pressure without immediately triggering a broader war.
Right
Arguments Saudi Arabia has the right to defend its population and vital infrastructure. Under this approach, anyone attacking civilian targets must expect a credible military response; otherwise warnings and deterrence lose their meaning.
Values National security, deterrence and protection of strategic infrastructure.
Consequences A robust response could deter new attacks, but also increases the risk of the conflict expanding.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The core data are consistent with AP and international reporting. Claims about responsibility and further attacks are clearly attributed and not presented as established facts.
- confirmed Twelve people were killed and more than 300 people injured in the attack. — The Saudi aviation authority reported twelve deaths and 309 injuries; AP reported this. source
- confirmed Riyadh airport remained closed until at least Sunday evening. — AP reported that the closure had been extended until at least 9pm on Sunday. source
- confirmed The Houthis threatened new attacks on Saudi airports. — AP quoted a warning from Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree. source
- confirmed International leaders and António Guterres condemned the attack. — AP and Al Jazeera described condemnations from Arab countries, the UN and the European Commission. source
Editor's note
The deaths, injuries, extended closure and international reactions have been confirmed. The circumstances and responsibility are based on statements by the parties involved and have not been fully independently established.Sources
- Saudi Arabia extends closure of airport after 12 killed in suspected Houthi missile attack — Associated Press
- World condemns deadly Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh airport — Al Jazeera / Reuters
The story so far
- Friday, 9 October 2026, 13:42 Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport kill three
- Saturday, 10 October 2026, 05:43 Saudi Arabia launches offensive against Houthis
- Saturday, 10 October 2026, 18:48 Riyadh Airport attacked again, flights cancelled
- Saturday, 10 October 2026, 23:45 More wounded in attack on Riyadh airport
- Sunday, 11 October 2026, 05:44 New attack on Riyadh airport claims twelve lives
- Sunday, 11 October 2026, 12:46 Riyadh keeps airport closed after deadly attack (this article)
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „saudi-arabië jemen”
- De Telegraaf — „saudi-arabië jemen”
- AD — „saudi-arabië jemen”