RIYADH – More than 30 flights between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh have been cancelled as King Khalid International Airport remains closed following recent Houthi attacks.
Reports said 32 flights scheduled to operate between Pakistan and Riyadh on Monday have been cancelled due to the continued suspension of airport operations.
The airport’s closure has been extended for another 24 hours through a fresh aviation notice, as authorities continue safety inspections and assess damage to critical infrastructure.
Aviation sources told international that damage to radar and communication systems has added to the challenges of restoring normal operations. The systems require further assessment before flights can resume.
It comes after a Pakistani national was killed and 11 other people were injured in latest attack on King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation.
The injured were immediately transferred to hospitals for necessary medical treatment, while the attack also caused material damage to the airport. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage, the statement said.
The latest incident follows another attack on Riyadh airport on Saturday, which reportedly killed 13 people and left more than 300 others injured. Authorities subsequently closed the airport to all air traffic.
Footage released by Arab media showed large numbers of Umrah pilgrims inside the airport when the earlier attack occurred. The video appeared to show a bright flash following a powerful explosion, prompting people to flee in panic. Part of the building’s ceiling was also seen falling.
Yemen’s Houthi military spokesperson claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack, according to the information provided.
Meanwhile, the R4 group, comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye, strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the strike on King Khalid International Airport.
In a joint statement issued through Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, the four countries said the attacks violated Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and posed a direct threat to its security, stability and the safety of civilians.
The group reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and expressed support for measures taken in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law to defend the kingdom’s sovereignty, protect its citizens and residents, and counter the threats posed by the attacks.
The R4 group also called for an immediate and unconditional halt to attacks against Saudi Arabia, holding the Houthi militia responsible for the attacks and the resulting threats to regional and international peace and security.