Saudi Arabia intercepts fresh Houthi attacks as Riyadh airport reopens

Repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks forced Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport to close for about two weeks before flights resumed on October 25. The Hindu reported that one attack this month killed 13 people and injured more than 300.

The confrontation extends beyond the airport. The Houthis have claimed strikes on Saudi oil facilities, while Saudi Arabia leads a military coalition fighting the group in Yemen, according to CNA. The latest exchanges have brought further coalition strikes on Houthi missile facilities.

On October 24, the Houthis said they had attacked Saudi oil facilities and airports, according to AFP. Al Jazeera also reported that Houthi missiles reportedly struck targets in Yemen, including Aden's airport and a coastguard base.

Saudi and Houthi accounts differed over the intended targets of other missiles that day. Infobae reported Saudi accusations that missiles had been launched towards the Mecca and Medina regions. The Houthis denied targeting those cities and said they had targeted airports and oil sites, according to India Today.

On October 25, Riyadh airport resumed international flights. Dozens of departures to destinations including London, Dubai and Beijing appeared on the airport's website, according to Business Line. The Houthis renewed their warning to airlines, airport staff and travellers against using the airport, Middle East Eye reported.

Flight restrictions elsewhere remained in place. The New Indian Express reported that Air India and IndiGo had extended Saudi flight suspensions, with some services halted until November 7.

On October 26, the Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi oil pumping stations and Riyadh airport, according to Reuters. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted a ballistic missile, South China Morning Post reported. Arab News separately reported the coalition's claim that it destroyed two ballistic missile launchers in Sanaa, including one used to fire towards Riyadh.

Interceptions also carried risks on the ground. Al Jazeera reported on October 26 that debris from intercepted Houthi missiles caused damage in Khamis Mushait.

The attacks continued on October 27. NDTV reported that the Saudi coalition destroyed three missiles and four drones fired towards the kingdom. Middle East Eye reported the coalition's statement that four drones targeting Saudi Arabia's southern region had been intercepted and destroyed.

Diplomatic talks were taking place alongside the fighting. Officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Pakistan and Iran met in Tehran to seek de-escalation, according to Al Jazeera. The airport reopening has therefore not marked an end to the exchanges.

The immediate issue is whether Riyadh airport can maintain services despite renewed threats and attack claims. Its reopening and the continuing airline suspensions leave travellers facing different levels of disruption depending on their route, according to Business Line and The New Indian Express.

The Tehran talks are the next diplomatic development to follow. Al Jazeera reported their aim of easing the conflict, but the supplied coverage does not report an agreement or a halt to attacks.