Yemeni Houthi rebels have attacked the airport in Riyadh, injuring dozens of people and forcing the suspension of air traffic to Saudi Arabia’s capital, according to AFP. Multiple embassies have warned their citizens to avoid the airport and reconsider travel to the country.
The strike on Saturday triggered at least two powerful explosions heard across the Saudi capital, according to witnesses cited by Associated Press. More than a dozen ambulances were dispatched to the airport, where passengers were evacuated. AFP reported that dozens were injured, with at least five requiring intensive care treatment.
Data from flight-tracking service Flightradar24 showed that all inbound flights to Riyadh were either diverted to other destinations or cancelled entirely. Some cancellations extended through Monday. Airport authorities requested that travellers check their flight status before heading to the terminal.
European embassies issue travel warnings
The German, Spanish and Canadian embassies in Saudi Arabia responded by urging their citizens not to use the airport. France had already advised avoiding flights to the Saudi capital a day earlier.
Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained its heightened warning about flights to Riyadh. The latest update in the ministry’s Odyseusz travel advisory system, posted on Friday, reminded Polish nationals of the need for increased vigilance, including considering abandoning travel plans altogether.
“The ongoing conflict has the potential to escalate. Travellers can expect flight cancellations and airspace closures,” the Polish foreign ministry statement read.
Third attack this week
The airport has now been targeted twice earlier this week, with strikes that killed four people and damaged an aircraft. The Houthis claimed responsibility for those attacks but have not yet issued any statement regarding Saturday’s incident.
The frequency of strikes increased sharply in early October after Yemen, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, intensified its offensive against Houthi positions. The military operation aims to reclaim territory along the Red Sea coast currently held by the rebels.
Reuters reports that the Houthis have declared Saudi Arabian airspace a war zone and warned airlines against using it. The rebels have also targeted Saudi military installations and oil infrastructure in recent attacks.
US President Donald Trump stated he was “dissatisfied” with the airport attacks but stopped short of announcing American military support in response to the strikes on Saudi facilities.
What this means for Poles in the UK
Polish nationals planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, whether for work or family visits, should carefully monitor the situation before booking flights or travelling. The Polish foreign ministry’s Odyseusz system provides official travel warnings and should be checked for updates before any journey to the region.
Anyone with existing flight bookings to Riyadh should contact their airline immediately to confirm flight status, as cancellations and diversions are ongoing. Travel insurance policies should be reviewed to understand coverage for disruption caused by conflict.
Poles currently in Saudi Arabia are advised to register their presence with the Polish embassy and maintain contact with consular services. The heightened security risk extends beyond the airport to other potential targets, including oil facilities and military sites. Travellers should avoid unnecessary journeys within the country and stay informed through official channels about airspace closures and security developments.
