Flights avoid landing at Riyadh airport amid heightened regional tensions

At least 10 aircraft were reported to have delayed or avoided landing at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Monday as regional tensions intensified.

Flight-tracking data showed elevated disruption at Riyadh airport, with a significant number of flights delayed during the day.

The reports came as Saudi Arabia remained on heightened alert amid renewed Houthi missile and drone attacks and a broader escalation linked to the conflict in Yemen. The Houthis have claimed recent strikes against Saudi infrastructure, including targets in and around Riyadh.

However, there was no immediate official confirmation that Riyadh airport had been closed or directly attacked, and the exact reason the aircraft altered or delayed their approaches was not immediately clear.

King Khalid International Airport’s official flight information continued to show scheduled arrivals and departures operating, suggesting the disruption was temporary rather than a full airport shutdown.

The situation remained under close watch as military activity and airspace risks continued across the region.