Iran War Updates: Deadly Houthi attacks keep Saudi airport closed as Trump considers U.S. strikes in Yemen

On October 12, 2026, Iran‑backed Houthi militants carried out an attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, according to a CNBC report. The strike forced the airport’s immediate closure, halting both passenger and cargo operations. Security forces sealed the perimeter, and authorities began assessing damage to runways and terminal facilities. The incident marks the latest in a series of cross‑border actions that have disrupted Saudi air transport.

CNBC’s coverage emphasizes the rapid issuance of global travel warnings following the attack. Aviation ministries in Europe, Asia and North America have advised airlines to reroute flights that would normally land at Riyadh, and several carriers have suspended bookings pending further safety assessments. The report notes that the warnings affect not only commercial passengers but also diplomatic and humanitarian flights that rely on the hub. Travel alerts have been circulated through embassy notices, airline safety bulletins and international travel advisories, urging travelers to avoid transit through the capital.

The Houthi movement, operating from Yemen, has received material and strategic support from Iran, a fact repeatedly cited in analyses of the regional conflict. Since 2015, the Houthi campaign has included the use of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles against Saudi oil installations, ports and airports, demonstrating a growing capacity to strike deep inside Saudi territory. Over the past years, the group has targeted Saudi infrastructure, including oil facilities and maritime routes, as part of its broader campaign against the Saudi‑led coalition in Yemen. The Riyadh airport strike underscores the ability of the militants to project force beyond Yemen’s borders, heightening concerns about the spillover of the Yemen war into Saudi territory.

Future reporting will focus on whether Riyadh airport can resume operations and on any additional travel advisories issued by national governments. Observers will also monitor statements from Saudi defence officials and from Iranian diplomatic channels for indications of escalation or de‑escalation. The next updates from the Saudi Ministry of Transport regarding the timeline for reopening, as well as any United Nations commentary on civilian infrastructure protection, will be key indicators of the conflict’s trajectory in the coming weeks.