Houthi forces issue new warning against travel through Riyadh airport

Yemen's Houthi movement has issued a fresh warning telling passengers, airline companies and ground staff to avoid King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, declaring that the facility continues to be viewed as a legitimate military target.

The declaration by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree came shortly after airport authorities in the Saudi capital announced plans to resume partial services. Under the reopening plan revealed late on Saturday, the airport designated Terminal 1 to handle domestic routes and Terminal 2 for international journeys operated by Saudi carriers beginning Sunday.

Saree cautioned that strikes against the travel hub would persist, advising travelers and aviation personnel not to utilize the location.

Flight activity at the airport had been grounded since Oct. 10, when a lethal Houthi assault struck the site, claiming 13 lives and leaving upwards of 300 individuals injured. The strike stood as the deadliest attack inside Saudi territory in over ten years. Officials had elongated the operational pause two days after the incident before setting the weekend schedule for limited services.

The Iran-aligned Houthi faction has frequently deployed drones and ballistic missiles aimed at Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure, maritime ports and civilian air facilities throughout the ongoing conflict. These actions have consistently exerted pressure on the kingdom, which remains a key security partner of the United States.

Regional hostilities have escalated recently, with Saudi forces intensifying air raids against Houthi positions. Riyadh has also lent military backing to Yemeni government troops conducting counteroffensives, following Houthi advances that captured key areas bordering the Red Sea during the preceding month.