King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh was evacuated on Saturday after reports of an explosion. A Saudi official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that a missile hit the passenger terminal, injuring several people. Saudi authorities have not yet issued a public statement.

AFP news agency also reported that a witness heard the explosion while waiting to board the flight. Several Western embassies in Riyadh, including those of Germany, Canada and Spain, urged citizens to avoid the airport. The Spanish embassy cited “new attacks” by Houthi rebels in Yemen, while the Canadian embassy warned of ongoing military activity.

Attack on Riyadh Airport

These reports are from Yemen Houthi rebels This comes amid intense fighting between the government and the Saudi-backed government. The Iran-backed Houthis have been attacking targets in Saudi Arabia, including a series of attacks on Riyadh airport this week that killed four people, wounded several others and damaged planes.

Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways canceled several flights between their respective hubs and Riyadh, with some cancellations continuing into Monday. Kuwait Airways also canceled its flights on Saturday.

There was no immediate statement from the Houthis on Saturday’s blast. Last month, Houthi rebels advanced on key strategic positions along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to provide air support to Yemeni government forces seeking to retake those gains.

The conflict between the Houthis and Yemen intensifies

The Houthis have responded with attacks on Saudi Arabia, marking a major escalation in the years-long conflict with Yemen’s Riyadh-backed government since a peace deal collapsed in July. The Saudi-backed government in Yemen announced a counteroffensive last week, which aims to retake all Houthi-held areas, particularly around the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

In view of the current situation in Saudi Arabia, Air India Express and Air India have extended the period of cancellation of flights to and from Riyadh. He said Air India Express has canceled its services to Riyadh till October 14, while Air India has decided to keep flights canceled till October 15.

Flights to Riyadh will remain canceled till October 10

Both the airlines had earlier announced the cancellation of flights to Riyadh till October 10. Officials said airline companies are closely monitoring the situation and continuously assessing developments in the region. Air India Express and Air India are offering full refunds to affected passengers if their flights are cancelled.

An official said that Air India Express is also giving passengers the facility to change the date of travel without any extra charge. Air India Express operates 16 weekly flights to Riyadh from four cities in India – Bengaluru, Kochi, Kannur and Kozhikode. Air India operates seven flights a week from Delhi and Mumbai to Riyadh.