Saudi Arabia extends flight suspension after fresh Houthi attack on Riyadh airport

Saudi Arabia on Monday extended the suspension of all flights to and from its main international airport in Riyadh, after a further round of missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement caused more damage and killed one person. Authorities say Houthi missiles killed 13 people on Saturday and injured more than 300.

Saudi state television aired CCTV footage showing passengers engulfed by smoke and falling masonry while queuing to board a flight at King Khalid International Airport, at the moment the missile hit. The aviation authority said the airport would stay shut until a safety verification is completed. A military spokesperson said further missile and drone threats had been detected.

Air defences under strain

An urgent review is under way into how Houthi missiles keep getting through Saudi air defences, which are stretched thin. Interceptors are needed to protect government buildings, oil facilities and infrastructure hubs across a wide area. Schoolchildren and some office workers have been advised to work from home. The Houthis have also targeted Khamis Mushait and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and have vowed to strike airports across the country. Since last month, attacks have destroyed a parked Airbus A320 and damaged at least five other aircraft.

Meanwhile, the 25th WPC Energy Conference continues in Riyadh. Energy minister Abdulaziz bin Salman told it that fear has no place in the Saudi lexicon. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has not been seen in public since Tuesday of last week.

Fighting in Yemen and diplomacy

Fighting continues in and around Taiz, Yemen's third city. As many as 60 fighters from both sides died on Sunday. Taiz governor Nabil Shamsan called for the Houthi siege to be lifted and warned that medicine shortages would soon halt emergency surgical and intensive care services.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi spoke to his Saudi counterpart on Sunday to explore whether Iran could mediate. A UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday is expected to discuss a resolution designating the Houthis a foreign terrorist organisation.