Saudi Arabia Reopens Main Airport as Houthi Strikes Intensify

Saudi Arabia partially reopened its primary international airport in Riyadh on Sunday as its military intercepted a series of missiles and drones launched from Yemen.

King Khalid International Airport designated Terminal 1 for domestic travel and Terminal 2 for international flights on national carriers, resuming limited operations after a two-week closure.

The attacks have shattered a United Nations-brokered truce established in 2022, broadening the regional security crisis involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree threatened further strikes on the facility, cautioning carriers and passengers to avoid the area.

"The Saudi regime shall bear the consequences of any operations at the airport," Saree said.

Flightradar24 tracking data indicated very few departures from Riyadh on Sunday despite the official announcement, with most scheduled flights remaining canceled, according to foreign news reports.

Air defenses downed a ballistic missile over the capital alongside two drones in the surrounding area during the early morning hours, military officials reported.

"Air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh," the coalition said.

Saree said Houthi forces targeted multiple aviation, military and petroleum locations across the kingdom, including airports in Dammam and Najran alongside energy plants in Yanbu and Rabigh.

Saudi civil defense authorities reported that shrapnel from intercepted missiles fell in western and southern provinces, injuring two people and damaging several structures.

Heavy explosions shook southern communities as coalition forces intercepted 10 additional ballistic missiles and a cruise missile directed at Khamis Mushait.

"The bombardment has been very heavy since this morning -- may God keep us safe. Everything is shaking because of the explosions," a resident of Khamis Mushait told AFP.

In southern Yemen, the government accused Houthi fighters of firing three ballistic missiles at coast guard facilities in Aden, striking two administrative buildings in the port city.

Concurrently, Saudi air raids in Yemen killed 16 people in Sanaa, according to AFP, citing media outlets operated by the Houthis.

Commercial flight schedules suffered wider disruptions across the region as Air India and Air India Express suspended operations to Riyadh and Dammam until Nov. 7.

Major international events in Saudi Arabia have faced delays or relocations, while flight operations across the kingdom remain subject to sudden air defense warnings.