SANAA, October 11, 2026: Yemen’s Houthi movement has warned airlines, aviation workers and travellers against using Saudi airports and airspace after a deadly attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed 12 people and injured more than 300.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree issued the warning in a post on X, saying Saudi airports and airspace were now within the scope of possible attacks and had become a “theatre of operations” for the group’s forces.
He urged aviation and maritime companies, experts, staff, workers and passengers to stay away from Saudi airports and airspace.
Mecca and Medina Airports Exempted
Saree said airports serving Mecca and Medina were exempt from the warning, while travellers and airlines were advised to avoid other airports across Saudi Arabia.
The warning followed the latest attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where Saudi authorities said at least 12 people were killed and 309 others were injured.
The victims included Saudi and foreign nationals, while operations at the airport were suspended following the attack.
Riyadh Airport Attack Raises Aviation Security Concerns
The attack marked one of the deadliest strikes on Saudi Arabia in years and came amid a sharp escalation in Houthi attacks on the kingdom’s aviation infrastructure.
The Houthis have increasingly warned international airlines against operating in Saudi airspace as tensions intensify.
Saree’s latest statement did not provide a date or details for any new attack, but the warning is likely to heighten concerns over aviation security and flight operations in the kingdom.
Major airlines have already faced disruption following the Riyadh attack, while Saudi authorities have extended restrictions at King Khalid International Airport as security assessments continue.
The latest warning adds further pressure on regional aviation as airlines assess the security risks surrounding Saudi airspace and key airports.