Black Smoke Rises Near Riyadh Airport as Flights Cancelled

Flames and plumes of smoke were seen rising near Riyadh airport this afternoon, forcing the cancellation and delay of several flights. The incident comes amid intensified fighting between Saudi‑backed government forces and Iran‑backed Houthi rebels, which has already claimed 48 lives in recent hours.

The Houthi rebels launched a rapid offensive this month, seizing large swaths of territory in Yemen and mounting a barrage of missiles and drones aimed at Saudi Arabia. The escalation has disrupted air traffic in the capital, prompting authorities to ground aircraft for safety reasons while they assess the damage and secure the airport perimeter.

The incident underscores the growing volatility in the region and the broader implications of the Yemen conflict for Saudi Arabia’s security and aviation operations. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the conflict unfolds.