King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will remain closed until October 17 due to recent attacks claimed by Yemen’s Iran backed Houthi rebels, which resulted in over 13 deaths and hundreds of injuries. This situation has prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to evaluate potential actions against the Houthi group.
The attack on October 10 caused at least 13 fatalities and injured over 300 people. Another incident on October 11 resulted in one death and 11 injuries.
Trump Weighs U.S. Involvement in Yemen
On October 10, President Trump indicated that the U.S. “may very well” join the Saudi led efforts against the Houthi rebels but did not confirm any specific military actions.
“We may. We’re gonna look at it,” Trump stated when asked about U.S. involvement in the Saudi campaign.
The U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Iran are critical players in the broader conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which has affected Yemen. Direct U.S. action against the Houthi rebels could escalate tensions and threaten civilian infrastructure and supply lines.
Rising Violence Threatens Civilian Flights
In addition to the closure of King Khalid International Airport, Saudi officials reported an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 11, with damage still being assessed. No casualty details have been released yet.
These attacks have disrupted numerous airlines, including Lufthansa, Air India, Pakistan International Airlines, FlyDubai, Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Air Arabia, affecting their flights to Riyadh.
Saudi airports have also advised airlines to exercise caution when flying over their airspace due to security threats from the attacks.
Concerns have grown for travelers, businesses, and large events scheduled in the capital city.
U.S. Issues Safety Warning for Citizens
The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia has urged citizens to “exercise extreme caution” when visiting airports following the attacks on October 10, which included an American casualty.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey released a joint statement condemning the Houthi attacks and calling for an end to the violence in Yemen.
These incidents have raised doubts about the Saudi government’s ability to protect its citizens, as the air defense system failed to intercept the attacks. The Saudi government is conducting an internal investigation to understand how the attacks bypassed its defenses.
Houthi Rebels Claim Responsibility for Attacks
The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, has a history of targeting Saudi Arabia in retaliation for the Saudi campaign in Yemen. The recent attacks have increased tensions, leading Saudi Arabia to close and restrict its airspace, while the Houthi rebels have threatened to target commercial shipping near the crucial Bab al-Mandab Strait.
President Trump is currently contemplating whether the U.S. should directly engage with the Houthi rebels. While he mentioned possible U.S. involvement in the Saudi led campaign, no official announcements regarding military action have been made.
The U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Iran remain key players in the ongoing conflict that has spilled over into Yemen.
This report will be updated as new information becomes available. Data is current as of October 12, 2026, and further developments may impact the situation.