Saudi Arabia Extends Riyadh Airport Shutdown as Iran Offers to Ease Houthi Tensions

Saudi Arabia Extends Riyadh Airport Shutdown as Iran Offers to Ease Houthi Tensions

RIYADH, October 12, 2026 [VoM News]: Saudi Arabia has extended the suspension of flight operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh amid heightened regional tensions following reported Houthi attacks on the kingdom.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the extension on Monday, saying additional time was required to complete safety inspections and assess the airport’s operational readiness.

The authority did not specify when flights would resume.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, expressing concern over escalating hostilities in Yemen and offering Tehran’s assistance in facilitating de-escalation.

The diplomatic outreach comes amid growing concerns over Houthi attacks targeting Saudi territory and disruptions affecting strategically important regional waterways.

Also Read: Yemen’s Foreign Minister Afrah Abdulaziz al-Zouba Calls for Unified Islamic Response to Houthi Attacks

Iran maintains longstanding ties with Yemen’s Houthi movement, although the extent of Tehran’s influence over the group’s military decisions remains uncertain.

The developments have also raised concerns about security around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with international shipping routes.

Further escalation could increase pressure on Saudi Arabia and complicate broader regional security efforts.

While Tehran has expressed willingness to support diplomatic engagement, there has been no confirmed agreement to halt Houthi attacks or restore normal airport operations.