Several people were wounded in a likely Houthi attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, marking the third strike this week on the airport. Earlier attacks resulted in the deaths of four individuals. As a result, flights were canceled or diverted, and airport operations were suspended.
Following the attack, there were hours of silence and speculation, contributing to a sense of fear in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding region. Rumors of injuries circulated in the afternoon, leading Canada’s embassy to warn citizens to avoid the airport at 5:34 p.m. The US issued a similar warning at 8:03 p.m. Al Arabiya TV, typically quick to report breaking news, was airing reruns during this time. Saudi authorities acknowledged the incident at 8:34 p.m.
Security considerations may have influenced the decision to withhold information during the attack, but the attempt to project calm is reportedly backfiring. Some firms in Riyadh advised their employees to work from home the following day, reflecting a growing unease that has persisted for weeks. Since the US-Iran conflict began on February 28, Gulf governments have restricted media coverage and criminalized social media posts, despite residents being able to hear explosions.
Previously, Riyadh appeared relatively insulated from the conflict, with its airport remaining open as travelers fled attacks in other Gulf regions. Saudi citizens had rallied around national pride, viewing expressions of concern as unpatriotic. Official statements were often followed by a surge of social media pledges of allegiance.
However, this confidence seems to be diminishing. In a conflict that involves both economic and military strategies, this vulnerability may be what the Houthis and Iran are targeting. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces had recently pushed back Houthi advances around Bab el-Mandeb, a critical shipping chokepoint in the Red Sea. In response, the Houthis have escalated attacks on Saudi oil facilities and civilian aviation, declaring Saudi airspace a military operations zone.
The timing of these attacks is significant, as Riyadh is set to host the World Petroleum Congress this week, with CEOs from major companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, TotalEnergies, and BP expected to attend. This will be followed later in the month by the Future Investment Initiative and Wall Street investors. Organizers have stated that both events will proceed, according to Reuters. However, it is likely that some executives or their boards may reconsider their attendance. The implications extend beyond mere meetings, raising questions about the kingdom’s ability to provide a secure environment for significant financial assets, data centers, and emerging industries.
The repeated attacks on the airport suggest that a major escalation may be imminent. President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the US may consider strikes against the Houthis and will make a decision promptly. If such actions occur, it is probable that the region will face retaliatory responses from the Houthis or Iran.