Plane damaged at Riyadh airport as Houthis escalate attacks, sources say
Summary
A Saudi state carrier plane was badly damaged at Riyadh airport after Houthi attacks escalated against Saudi Arabia, forcing airlines to suspend some flights and causing widespread delays and cancellations. The strikes also hit nearby infrastructure and intensified concerns over the Yemen conflict spilling further across the region.
Key Points
- A commercial plane belonging to Saudia Airlines was heavily damaged at Riyadh airport after shrapnel or another projectile caused it to catch fire while parked at a terminal.
- The Houthis said they struck Riyadh airport and warned that energy facilities would also be targeted, while Saudi officials said debris hit a kindergarten and medical complex.
- Lufthansa and Air India suspended flights to Riyadh, and data showed nearly half of departures from Riyadh airport were cancelled by Thursday afternoon.
- The renewed attacks have intensified regional tensions around Yemen’s war, with Saudi Arabia seeking support from allies and other states weighing involvement.
