Houthis attack Saudi Airlines Aircraft at Riyadh Airport, 333 flights cancelled

RIYADH: A total of 333 flights from various parts of the world to Riyadh have been cancelled following a Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport. A Saudi Airlines aircraft, owned by the Saudi government and parked at the international airport in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, sustained significant damages in the missile strike. No passengers were on board at the time of the incident and so a major tragedy was averted. However, previous Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia have killed civilians. Three people have died and several others have been injured in such attacks.

Following the attack on the airport, several international airlines suspended services to Riyadh. Airlines including Air India, Air India Express and Lufthansa have suspended their services. According to figures released on Thursday, a total of 333 flights were cancelled. The Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen has launched widespread attacks this week targeting Saudi airports, fuel supply systems and military installations.

Authorities at King Khalid International Airport have advised passengers to contact their respective airlines and confirm flight details before travelling to the airport. Meantime, Saudi Arabia has stated that it intercepted the Houthi attack using its missile defence system. According to Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree, two missiles were launched targeting Riyadh Airport. The Houthis also launched one missile towards the airport in Najran and another targeting Khamis Mushait.