The Riyadh airport reopening on October 25, 2026, restored some international flights after a two-week shutdown following Houthi attacks, though most global airlines remained suspended and only two of five terminals were operating.

Key Takeaways

  • Dozens of flights departed early Sunday, including services to London, Dubai and Beijing.
  • Terminal 3 remained closed after sustaining damage in the October strikes.
  • The airport reopened during a weekend of further attacks on Riyadh.

Riyadh airport reopening remains limited

King Khalid International Airport resumed global air traffic after suspending operations following attacks on October 10 and 11 that killed more than a dozen people and injured hundreds.

Saudia and Flynas operated flights, while international airlines including Air India and Emirates were also on the schedule. Most global carriers still had suspensions in place, leaving traffic into and out of Riyadh heavily limited.

Further attacks and business disruption

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen said it intercepted a ballistic missile and a drone launched toward Riyadh on Sunday, as well as projectiles in southern areas near the Yemeni border. The Houthis continued to claim they were targeting the airport and Saudi energy infrastructure.

The attacks prompted Riyadh to postpone events including the Future Investment Initiative. The airport closure also forced consultants and executives to cancel trips, while some travelers reached the capital by road from nearby Gulf hubs or by train from Dammam.

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