Explosion at Riyadh Airport Injures Several

A number of individuals sustained injuries in an explosion at Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday, as witnessed by two individuals and confirmed by two briefed sources. Parts of the airport were evacuated as a result.

An eyewitness recounted observing an explosion followed by multiple injured individuals on the airport floor. The scene prompted more than a dozen ambulances to rush to the airport.

Both the Saudi government’s media office and the Saudi civil aviation authority did not provide immediate comments regarding the incident.

This incident occurred amidst an increase in missile attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, targeting the kingdom. The airport had already been struck twice earlier in the week, resulting in four fatalities, injuries, and significant damage to an aircraft.

President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the U.S. is considering participating in Saudi strikes against the Houthis. “We may. We’re going to look at it,” he said, emphasizing the need for a prompt decision following the recent attack.

According to flight-tracking site Flightradar24, all flights to Riyadh were redirected or canceled, with only a helicopter observed hovering over the airport at one point.

Passengers were advised by the airport to contact their respective airlines directly and verify their flight statuses before traveling to the airport.

The Canadian Embassy in Saudi Arabia released a statement on Saturday, cautioning Canadians against traveling to King Khalid International Airport due to the security conditions.

“Travellers should monitor local media, comply with local authorities’ directives, and confirm their flight status with the airline before departure,” the statement advised. It also recommended avoiding military debris, refraining from sharing blast-related images on social media, and signing up for emergency notifications.

Kuwait Airways announced flight cancellations to and from Riyadh following the closure of Riyadh airport due to the prevailing security situation.

• 3 people killed in Houthi attack on main airport in Riyadh, Saudi officials say

• More than 200,000 people displaced as renewed fighting grips Yemen, UN agency says

Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways had previously canceled multiple flights to and from Riyadh as a response to the security situation.

Previous Houthi attacks had led several airlines to suspend or cancel services to Riyadh, coinciding with upcoming major energy and investment conferences in the city.

Despite the incidents, conference organizers assured attendees of the events proceeding as planned and emphasized the security measures in place.

The Houthis have warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace, considering it a military operations zone after the Saudi-backed Yemeni government initiated an offensive against the group earlier in the month.