Riyadh airport resumes flights after two weeks of closure
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has resumed flights after two weeks of closure following deadly attacks on its facilities. Several domestic and international services were scheduled on Sunday, while explosions shook the Saudi capital, AFP reports.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resumed some flights on Sunday 25 October, after two weeks of closure following deadly attacks. The airport website listed several departures and arrivals, including flights from Dubai, Paris and Cairo, AFP reports. Flightradar24 tracking showed that only a limited number of flights had taken off, while most remained cancelled.
The resumption of operations coincided with explosions heard in the Saudi capital and an alert message sent to residents warning of a threat. Yemen’s armed Houthi movement carried out further attacks on Saudi Arabia that day. Its military spokesman, Yahya Saree, called Riyadh airport a military target and said it was dangerous for travellers and airlines.
The airport’s closure had led to the postponement until 2027 of a major Saudi investment conference and the cancellation, postponement or relocation of several events, including the Dakar Rally. The Houthis had carried out several waves of strikes against the airport; an attack this month killed 13 people and injured more than 300, according to the toll cited by AFP.
The reopening comes after explosions were heard in Riyadh, as attacks on Saudi infrastructure continue. An attack on Dammam airport on 22 October caused deaths and injuries, according to figures published by us.
