A Saudia Airlines jet burst into flames while stationed at a terminal at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Thursday after being hit by a projectile during a suspected missile attack. The aircraft sustained significant damage, and no passengers were thought to have been aboard at the time, though sources could not discount injuries connected to the incident.
Three individuals briefed on the incident stated that debris from an interception or another projectile had struck the commercial aircraft. Video footage shows dense black smoke and flames billowing from the airport following the incident.
Houthis claim responsibility
The Iran-backed Houthi militants took responsibility for the assault on Riyadh airport, claiming a ballistic missile had inflicted the damage, though the organisation provided no proof for its claim. The armed group also cautioned workers to avoid Saudi energy facilities, declaring they would be targeted.
A witness told the Associated Press that multiple explosions were heard throughout the Saudi capital, including a major blast at the international airport.
Flight cancellations and disruptions
Hundreds of flights to and from Riyadh were scrapped in the wake of the incident, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. Lufthansa and Air India also cancelled flights to Riyadh following the Houthi strikes, reports the Express.
Nearly half of departures from Riyadh airport had been cancelled by 3pm GMT on Thursday, according to figures gathered by aviation analytics firm Cirium. An additional 31 cancellations were anticipated across Saudi airports on Friday, while Riyadh airport urged passengers to contact their carriers to verify flight status before travelling.
Wider impact and context
The most recent violence occurred a day after Saudi Arabia announced one person had died in an attack on Riyadh airport, while two others died in a separate bombardment on Abha airport in the southwest. Saudi authorities separately confirmed that debris from an intercepted missile hit a nursery and a healthcare facility in Riyadh.
The assaults also triggered extensive chaos throughout the capital, with numerous international firms in Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District instructing employees to work remotely after thunderous explosions were heard on Thursday morning. Several schools informed parents they had been directed to shelter in place, though authorities did not issue a public warning.
The development comes as fresh fighting has hit Yemen. The Houthis have captured sections of the Red Sea coastline in recent weeks, including areas surrounding the strategically vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi-backed troops mounted a counteroffensive this week and recaptured land surrounding the strait, while the Houthis have also secured advances in other parts of the nation. The fresh fighting has forced 200,000 people from their homes.
