Saudi Arabia suggests Riyadh Airport may reopen on Sunday

Dana Khraiche, Bloomberg News on Oct 24, 2026

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Saudi Arabia’s main airport was gearing up to reopen as early as Sunday after operations had been disrupted by a spate of attacks by Houthi rebels.

King Khalid International Airport said in a post on X that Terminal 1 will be used for domestic flights and Terminal 2 will be for international flights, but passengers should check with airlines before heading to the airport.

“We appreciate your cooperation and compliance with the instructions,” the airport said.

Riyadh Air, meanwhile, said that several of its flights will start departing Sunday from Al-Qassim Airport in Buraidah, a 31/2-hour drive. According to an announcement on its website, the airline said those flights include ones to Egypt, Bangladesh, the U.K. and Pakistan.

There were no other immediate announcements by airlines about their plans for the Riyadh airport.

The announcement followed a U.S. decision to order the departure of diplomatic personnel and adjust staffing at embassies across the Middle East as a result of Iranian efforts to target Americans, as well as threats from Houthi militants in Yemen, according to an American official.

The Iran-backed Houthi militants have recently increased deadly strikes against Saudi energy sites and airports. The deadliest attack on the airport, on Oct.10, killed at least 12 and left 309 injured.

Earlier Saturday, Saudi Arabia said that debris from missile interceptions fell in areas in Mecca, Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh, according to state-run Saudi Press Agency. Houthi rebels claimed they targeted airports in Riyadh, Najran and Dammam.