RIYADH: Saudi aviation authorities have extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) until October 17 following reported missile and drone attacks targeting the Saudi capital, according to the provided report.
The extension was announced on Monday through a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), as aviation inspectors and security personnel assess the situation and work to ensure airspace safety.
The suspension is expected to disrupt air travel significantly. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 said on X that the closure affects nearly 700 flights daily.
The decision follows a reported escalation in regional hostilities over the weekend. According to the report, a strike on Saturday killed 13 people and injured more than 300, while another attack on Sunday claimed one life.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthi group said on Monday that it had intercepted and destroyed ballistic missiles launched by the Iran-aligned group.
Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki Al-Maliki said forces had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles fired towards Khamis Mushait, according to a statement shared on X.
Earlier on Monday, coalition forces also reported destroying another missile launched towards Riyadh.
The continued security concerns have raised questions about the resumption of normal aviation operations and the potential impact on passengers travelling through Saudi Arabia.
Passengers planning to travel to or from Riyadh should check directly with their airlines for the latest updates on flight cancellations, rescheduling and airport operations.
