Houthi strikes on Saudi aviation structure raise travel security concerns

Repeated Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian airports have raised concerns over aviation security and potential travel disruption, following a second deadly strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport in two days. 

One person was killed and 11 injured on Sunday when a projectile struck the airport, causing a fire in a passenger terminal, according to Saudi authorities. 

The attack followed a strike on Saturday that killed 13 people and injured 308 others. Victims included foreign nationals from several countries, including the US, Bangladesh, Jordan, Egypt, and Syria. 

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying they had deployed ballistic and cruise missiles alongside drones. 

The group's military spokesman, Brig Gen Yahya Saree, warned airlines and passengers against using Saudi airports and airspace, declaring that further attacks could target airports across the country, excluding those serving the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. 

Escalating threats to aviation 

The latest strikes followed several attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure earlier in the week, including an incident at Riyadh airport on Thursday that killed three Saudi nationals. Airports in Abha and Riyadh were also targeted in preceding days. 

Saudi military spokesman Maj Gen Turki al-Maliki said air defence systems intercepted a missile near King Khalid International Airport on Sunday. At the same time, emergency services responded to a fire caused by an unidentified projectile. 

Saturday’s attack was the deadliest single strike on a Gulf Arab country since the conflict involving Israel, the US, and Iran began in February. 

The escalation follows the collapse in July of a ceasefire between the Houthis and Saudi-led forces that had been in place since 2022. 

The Houthis said the attacks were in response to Saudi Arabia’s support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government and an alleged Saudi strike on Sanaa International Airport. 

Travel and insurance implications 

The attacks have increased uncertainty for international travellers using Saudi airports, particularly those with onward connections or travel plans involving the wider region. 

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to certain parts of Saudi Arabia, including areas within 10km of the Yemeni border. Other Western diplomatic missions have also issued regional travel warnings. 

For travel insurers and assistance providers, further attacks could create challenges involving trip cancellation, interruption, emergency assistance, and alternative travel arrangements. 

However, insurance protection for disruption linked to armed conflict or terrorism varies considerably between policies. Coverage may depend on specific exclusions, the circumstances of the incident, and government travel advice.