Smoke seen at Riyadh airport; flights cancelled, kindergarten, hospital damaged as tensions escalate

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has issued a warning to passengers of potential flight delays, rescheduling and cancellations as a result of recent Houthi attacks on the region's airports. The airport has advised travelers to verify their flight status with their airlines before arriving, as regional tensions and airspace restrictions may impact scheduled services.

The attacks, which occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, resulted in three deaths and 36 injuries at Riyadh airport, and the deaths of two women and 28 others at Abha airport. In addition to the human toll, the assaults also caused significant damage to airport infrastructure.

As a consequence, flight operations at Riyadh airport have been significantly affected, with numerous departures delayed and several services canceled on Thursday morning. Flight-tracking data revealed that 58 departures were delayed and 11 flights were canceled, with some passengers enduring delays of several hours.

The Houthi rebels have taken responsibility for the attacks, which are occurring amid heightened hostilities between the group and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces. These latest disruptions have heightened concerns about the stability of air travel in the region, prompting passengers to stay informed about airline announcements and airport updates before boarding their flights.