Black Smoke and Flames Near Riyadh Airport: Flights Disrupted Amid Saudi-Houthi Conflict
Black smoke and flames were seen near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, as flights faced major disruptions following overnight security alerts in the Saudi capital. The incident comes amid an escalation in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group, which claimed to have targeted “sensitive” sites in Riyadh with missiles and drones. Reuters footage and photographs showed a huge plume of black smoke rising near the airport, with the airport highway, main terminal, and other facilities visible in the foreground.
Tracking website FlightRadar24 reported “major problems” at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport, listing it under its maximum disruption index. The airport faced 5 to 5 points to major disruption, with long delays and several flight cancellations. A Saudi woman and a Pakistani national were also injured and were in critical condition, according to reports. The disruption caused significant chaos for travelers, with many stranded or forced to rebook flights.
The Houthi group stated they attacked “sensitive” sites in Riyadh using missiles and drones, hours after flames and a large plume of smoke were seen near the city’s main airport. This attack marks a serious escalation in the ongoing Saudi-Houthi conflict, raising concerns about regional security and the safety of civilian infrastructure. The airport, a key hub for international travel, has been severely impacted, with operations halted or severely limited.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the extent of the damage or casualties. However, the visible black smoke and flames near such a critical facility underscore the growing threat posed by the conflict. Travelers are advised to check with airlines for updates, as disruptions are expected to continue. The situation remains tense, with further attacks possible. This incident highlights the volatile security environment in the region and the potential for wider disruptions to global air travel.
Shimanta Das 
