King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, was evacuated on Saturday following reports of a fresh attack, with witnesses reporting loud explosions.
Two regional officials said the airport had been evacuated and air traffic had stopped. They spoke anonymously as they were not authorised to comment publicly.
Three witnesses told AFP that people were being evacuated, with one reporting an explosion while waiting to board a flight.
Airport authorities urged passengers to check with their airlines before travelling. Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 showed several cancellations and delays, although some regional airlines continued operating through Riyadh.
The incident follows multiple attacks on Saudi airports earlier this week. Three people, including a pilot, were killed on Thursday, while Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen claimed responsibility for earlier strikes.
The group had not immediately commented on Saturday’s reported attack. The Saudi government’s Center for International Communication also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Fighting has escalated between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, supported by Saudi-led coalition airstrikes aimed at reversing rebel gains along the Red Sea coast.
The Houthis have threatened aircraft flying over Saudi Arabia, except those above Mecca and Medina, and have expanded their operations amid the wider regional conflict involving Iran.
Saudi Arabia has sought support from the United States and other allies as airports, military facilities and oil infrastructure face attacks.
US President Donald Trump said Friday that he was “not happy” about the Riyadh airport attacks. Saudi authorities have also warned that sharing footage or information about missile and drone interceptions could invite legal liability.
