The disruption in Saudi flights due to the recent attacks by the Yemeni armed forces on the airports of this country has created a critical situation for the air transport industry. These attacks included targeting King Khalid Airport in Riyadh with two cruise missiles and Najran Airport with one ballistic missile, leading to widespread flight cancellations.
Consequences of Missile Attacks on Airports
Since Thursday, with the intensification of attacks, more than 400 flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh have been canceled. Aviation analytics company "Cirium" reported that 49.7 percent of outgoing flights from this airport were canceled that day, and the Financial Times also reported the cancellation of over 100 flights.
Read more: Putin and Trump Agreement to Supply Diesel to the Global Market
This situation has affected not only Riyadh Airport but also Najran and Khamis Mushait airports. Additionally, 9 aircraft have been denied landing, and air traffic in Saudi Arabia has been significantly disrupted.
International Warnings for Citizens
In light of these developments, various countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Canada, and the Philippines have warned their citizens in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. State Department has warned of the possibility of flight cancellations and widespread travel disruptions, urging British nationals to avoid non-essential travel to areas near their oil and military infrastructure.
The Canadian Embassy in Riyadh has also warned about the potential for flight restrictions and disruptions in air traffic, and Philippine Airlines has canceled its flights to Riyadh. Additionally, three Indian airlines have also suspended their flights to the Saudi capital.
The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center based in Sanaa (HOCC) has also warned of the continuation of this situation, emphasizing that the skies of Saudi Arabia, except for Mecca and Medina, will remain the scene of missile operations by Yemeni forces until the end of the aggression and blockade. This center has urged airlines to take these warnings seriously and to assume responsibility for any risks or consequences for aircraft and passengers.
Given these developments, experts believe that the continuation of this situation could seriously harm Saudi Arabia's tourism and trade industry and force airlines to change their flight routes. Saudi Arabia, which has been engaged in an all-out war with Yemen for the past 12 years, is now facing a new and challenging equation.
Read more: Russia and China Call for an End to Tensions in Yemen · Dina Mustafa Wins the First Medal in the History of Saudi Women at the Asian Games
