Riyadh Airport Reopens Two Terminals Amid Houthi Missile and Drone Threats

News National | October 25, 2026

Saudi Arabia Partially Reopens Riyadh International Airport

RIYADH, October 25: Saudi Arabia has partially reopened King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, allowing operations to resume at two terminals despite continuing missile and drone threats from Yemen's Houthi movement.

The reopening marks a limited return of airport operations amid an escalating regional security crisis. According to Reuters reporting published on Sunday, Terminal 1 was designated for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 was assigned to international flights operated by Saudi national carriers.

The airport had halted operations on October 10 following an attack claimed by the Houthis that reportedly killed 13 people.

Despite the reopening announcement, flight-tracking data showed limited activity at the airport on October 25, indicating that normal operations had not fully resumed.

Houthis Renew Threats Against Airport

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that the airport remained a military target and urged airlines, airport employees and travellers not to use the facility.

The warning came as Saudi Arabia reported intercepting additional missiles and drones. The continuing threats have raised concerns about aviation safety and the potential disruption of regional air travel.

The Houthis have also claimed attacks against Saudi facilities. Saudi authorities have not independently confirmed every claim made by the group.

Saudi Air Defences Intercept Incoming Missiles

Saudi authorities reported intercepting missiles launched towards the kingdom on October 25.

Saudi Civil Defence said debris from the interception of two ballistic missiles over Khamis Mushait and Ahad Rafidah injured two people and damaged residential buildings and vehicles.

Authorities also issued emergency alerts for Riyadh and several other cities before announcing that the immediate danger had passed.

The reported incidents highlight the continuing risks to civilians and infrastructure as regional hostilities intensify.

Why the Conflict Matters Beyond Saudi Arabia

The renewed fighting involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has implications for regional stability and international shipping.

The Houthis have expanded their operations around strategic areas along Yemen's Red Sea coast. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a major maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, making security in the surrounding waters important to global trade.

Saudi Arabia has historically supported Yemen's internationally recognised government in its conflict with the Houthis. The renewed hostilities have undermined a United Nations-brokered truce that had largely held since 2022.

What Travellers Should Know

Passengers travelling through Riyadh should confirm their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.

Travellers should also monitor official airport announcements, allow additional time for security procedures and avoid relying on unverified social-media posts about flight operations.

The reopening of two terminals does not mean that all services have returned to normal. Airlines may adjust schedules as security conditions change.

The immediate priorities are the safety of passengers and airport staff, the stability of flight operations and the effectiveness of measures to protect Saudi territory from further attacks.

Whether operations expand beyond the two reopened terminals will depend on security assessments and official decisions.

Source: Reuters, October 25, 2026 — https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/world/1007133/saudi-says-riyadh-airport-partly-reopens-despite-renewed-houthi-threats/story/

Editorial disclaimer: This report distinguishes Saudi official statements and Houthi claims from independently established facts. Airport operations and security conditions may change quickly.