Riyadh Airport Resumes Limited Operations Following Security Disruptions

Riyadh’s main airport has reopened to global air traffic following a two-week shutdown, despite sustained Houthi attacks on the Saudi capital over the weekend. Dozens of flights departed King Khalid International Airport early on Sunday to destinations including London, Dubai, and Beijing, according to the airport’s schedule.

Local carriers Saudia and Flynas operated flights alongside international airlines such as Air India and Emirates. However, air traffic into and out of Riyadh remains heavily limited, as most global carriers still have suspensions in place. The airport, which initially suspended operations following Houthi attacks on October 10-11 that resulted in fatalities and injuries, is currently operating two of its five terminals. Terminal 3 remains non-operational due to sustained damage from the strikes.

The reopening coincides with a weekend of heavy Houthi strikes on Riyadh. The Saudi-led coalition battling the militant group in Yemen reported intercepting a ballistic missile and drone launched toward the capital on Sunday, alongside defensive actions near the Yemeni border. Recent attacks have targeted Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province airport and oil fields operated by Saudi Aramco. The Houthis continue to claim they are targeting Riyadh’s airport and critical energy infrastructure.

In response to the growing security risks, the United States ordered the departure of diplomatic staff from Saudi Arabia and adjusted staffing at embassies across West Asia. These orders follow nearly eight months of conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, alongside repeated statements from President Donald Trump regarding potential military strikes following the US midterm elections on November 3.

The ongoing hostilities pose economic challenges for Saudi Arabia, threatening progress on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s multi-trillion-dollar agenda to position the country as a hub for foreign investment, tourism, and artificial intelligence. The security situation has forced Riyadh to postpone critical events such as the Future Investment Initiative, which regularly convenes finance, energy, and political leaders every October.

Business activity has also slowed as the temporary airport closure forced consultants and executives to scrap trips or rely on alternative travel methods, including driving from nearby hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain, or taking the train from Dammam. Saudi Arabia issued air-raid alerts over the weekend for regions including Riyadh, Yanbu, Jeddah, and Mecca.

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Albudaiwi, condemned the attacks for endangering holy sites, labeling the actions a dangerous violation and provocation to Muslims worldwide. The conflict between the Houthis and Riyadh has persisted well before the broader regional conflict began in February, with hostilities escalating in October following a Saudi-backed Yemeni offensive.

"The partial reopening of Riyadh's main airport highlights the critical reliance of modern economies on stable logistics and infrastructure. For businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs operating in or engaging with the region, sudden disruptions to transport networks introduce severe operational friction. This situation underscores why geopolitical risk assessment and business continuity planning must remain central to any long-term economic strategy, particularly in emerging investment hubs." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes