Riyadh Airport Back in Action: T1 and T2 Resume Operations After Houthi Threats
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resumes flights from T1 and T2 following claims of Houthi rebel attacks. Check flight status before travel.
Following a period of tension and security concerns, the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has announced the resumption of flight operations at its primary terminals. The decision comes after Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed to have targeted the airport and several other critical infrastructure sites across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
New Terminal Arrangements
In a travel advisory shared via X (formerly Twitter), airport authorities have outlined a specific restructuring of flight operations to manage the return to service. Starting Sunday, October 25, 2026, the airport will operate under the following designations:
- Terminal 1: Dedicated exclusively to domestic flights.
- Terminal 2: Reserved for international flights operated by national carriers.
The administration has urged all passengers with confirmed bookings to exercise caution and verify their flight status directly with their respective airlines before departing for the airport to avoid any inconvenience.
The Houthi Claims and Targets
The disruption follows bold claims made by Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Houthi rebels. Saree asserted that the group had launched a series of strikes targeting not only the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh but a wide array of aviation, military, and energy facilities.
According to the Houthi spokesperson, the targets included:
- Aviation Hubs: King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Najran Airport, and the Khamis Mushait Airbase.
- Energy Infrastructure: The Aramco Company in Yanbu, the Rabigh Refinery, and the East-West oil pipeline.
The Houthi group further issued a stern warning to travelers, airline staff, and passengers, labeling the King Khalid International Airport as a "military target" and advising against its use.
Impact on International Carriers
The escalating security situation has prompted several international airlines to take preemptive measures. Air India and Air India Express have officially suspended their operations to several key destinations within Saudi Arabia.
According to the airline's advisory, flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam will remain suspended until November 7. Additionally, services connecting to Jeddah are suspended through October 31. To assist affected travelers, the airlines are providing options for full refunds or complimentary rebooking.
"We kindly advise passengers with confirmed bookings to contact their airlines to verify the status of their bookings and flights before heading to the airport," the airport administration stated.