Saudi Arabia faced a major aviation security scare after Houthi-claimed attacks targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, reportedly killing three people, including Saudia Airlines pilot Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami. Saudi authorities also reported injuries and damage following attacks on airports in Jazan and Najran, while the strikes disrupted aviation operations and raised concerns over the safety of Saudi airspace. The Houthis warned airlines to avoid most of the kingdom’s airspace, although their statement reportedly exempted flights over Mecca and Medina. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s activation of collective defence measures under the Makkah Pact added to regional tensions, as questions remained over how far Saudi Arabia’s allies would go in providing direct military support.
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