One of the Gulf’s busiest gateways is moving again, cautiously. Riyadh airport flights restarted on Sunday after a two-week shutdown caused by Houthi attacks.
A Partial Return
King Khalid International Airport stopped operating on October 10 after an attack that killed 13 people, the deadliest in the kingdom in over a decade. More than 300 people were wounded. The reopening is limited. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights, while Terminal 2 serves international flights operated by Saudi carriers. Dozens of flights left early Sunday for destinations including London, Dubai and Beijing. Even so, flight-tracking data showed little traffic during the day.
Threats Keep Coming
The Houthis did not welcome the reopening. Their military spokesman called the airport unsafe and a military target, and warned airlines and passengers to stay away. The Saudi-led coalition says the group carried out 20 attacks on the airport between October 1 and 11. On Sunday, air defences destroyed a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh.
Why Africa Is Watching
This is not a distant story. Millions of African workers, traders and pilgrims depend on Gulf airports for connections, jobs and remittances. A shut hub means cancelled contracts, stranded travellers and higher fares on routes from Lagos, Nairobi and Cairo.
Governments are also drawn in. Egypt has reportedly said it is ready to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks but will not fight inside Yemen.
The cost goes beyond flights. Attacks on Gulf infrastructure feed straight into fuel markets, and that eventually reaches pump prices in African cities.
If you have a booking through Riyadh, check with your airline before heading to the airport. Airport management has urged passengers with confirmed tickets to do exactly that. Peace, for now, remains the only real security plan.
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