Several people have been injured following an explosion at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the incident prompting emergency responses, the evacuation of travellers from parts of the facility and widespread disruption to flight operations.

The explosion occurred on Saturday, October 10, amid escalating security tensions linked to the conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia. The kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed that the airport had been targeted and that operations were temporarily suspended while officials assessed the damage and determined the number of casualties.

According to Reuters, eyewitnesses reported seeing injured people on the ground after the blast, while more than a dozen ambulances were seen arriving at the airport. Travellers were evacuated from parts of the facility as emergency responders attended to the situation.

Flight-tracking data showed widespread disruption, with flights scheduled to land in Riyadh diverted or cancelled. Airport officials urged passengers to contact their airlines and confirm their flight status before travelling to the facility.

Several international airlines also announced cancellations. Kuwait Airways cited the airport’s closure due to the security situation, while Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways cancelled multiple services connecting their respective hubs with Riyadh. Some disruptions were expected to extend into Monday.

The latest incident follows earlier attacks on Riyadh’s airport during the same week. Saudi authorities had reported fatalities and injuries in previous strikes, while an aircraft belonging to national carrier Saudia was also damaged.

The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of civilian aviation in the region, particularly as the Houthis have warned airlines against using Saudi airspace, describing it as a zone of military operations amid the intensifying conflict.

However, responsibility for Saturday’s latest incident had not been conclusively established in the reports available at the time of publication.

The United States also issued a security warning to its citizens in Saudi Arabia, advising them to avoid King Khalid International Airport and surrounding areas following reports of attacks on the facility.

In its advisory, the US Mission in Saudi Arabia urged Americans to check directly with their airlines and the airport for updates, warning that the security situation could lead to further travel disruptions.

The incident comes shortly before Riyadh is scheduled to host major energy and investment gatherings. Organisers said the events would proceed as planned, while seeking to reassure participants about security arrangements.

The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the impact of the regional conflict on civilian infrastructure, international travel and business activities. With airport operations temporarily suspended and airlines adjusting their schedules, passengers travelling to or through Riyadh face uncertainty as authorities continue assessing the situation.

Travellers with upcoming flights to the Saudi capital are advised to rely on official airport announcements and direct communication from their airlines for the latest information.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia