Recent airstrikes by the Houthis on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, have resulted in widespread disruptions to flights in the country. Following these attacks, on Monday, the skies over Riyadh were largely empty of flights, and it is expected that about 60% of scheduled flights will be canceled.
Widespread Flight Cancellations
According to provided information, King Khalid International Airport, the second busiest airport in Saudi Arabia after Jeddah Airport, canceled 99.7% of its flights on Sunday. More than a third of scheduled flights across the country for Monday have also been canceled. The flight tracking website, FlightRadar24, reported that flight cancellations at Riyadh Airport have reached about 78%.
Humanitarian and Security Consequences
These attacks, which resulted in one death and injuries to nearly ten others, have caused significant disruptions in Saudi Arabia's aviation industry. On Sunday, Riyadh Airport remained closed due to these attacks, raising concerns about flight security in the region. The recent increase in the intensity of Houthi attacks highlights the growing security crises in Saudi Arabia and the need for more serious security measures.
International Reactions
These attacks have also led airlines across Europe and Asia to suspend their services. The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States has advised airlines in the country to exercise greater caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia. Lufthansa has canceled all its flights to Riyadh until October 16, and Air France-KLM has also extended the suspension of its services to and from the Saudi capital until the end of this month.
The recent Houthi attacks on Riyadh Airport clearly indicate the fragile security situation in the country and the need for international cooperation to address these threats. These attacks also serve as a warning for Saudi Arabia, as one of the main countries in the region, regarding security and stability.
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