Riyadh was put on high security alert after explosions shook the Saudi capital and a large plume of black smoke could be seen near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which has been put on high alert since the beginning of the week in the wake of Yemen’s Ansarallah movement, also known as the Houthi movement. Saudi authorities issued emergency warnings to residents in Riyadh and nearby Al-Kharj, but later said the immediate danger had passed.
According to reports made shortly after the incident, the targets in the vicinity of the airport were two Saudi Aramco fuel tanks north of the airport as well as an airport cargo facility. There were also claims that runways 15L and 15R have been taken out of service and flights may not have been operated.
However, these damages were not confirmed by the major international news agencies at the time of this writing. Reuters reported that there were flames and a huge column of black smoke near the airport, but the cause and extent of damage were still being determined.
The security alert was issued in the early hours of Saturday after Saudi authorities warned residents that the Riyadh area was facing a potential hostile aerial threat. Residents reported hearing explosions, and the Saudi Civil Defence issued warnings covering Riyadh and Al-Kharj. The alerts were lifted after the immediate threat was over, the Saudi Civil Defence said.
The incident has raised fresh fears about the safety of Saudi Arabia's aviation and energy infrastructure. Riyadh's main airport is one of the country's most important transportation hubs, handling huge volumes of domestic and international travellers every year. Any disruption to airport operations could have wider consequences for airlines, passengers and cargo movements. The airport itself offers operational data on domestic and international flights and cargo services.
The report also comes as a bigger escalation between Saudi Arabia and Ansarallah. Ansarallah has intensified attacks against Saudi Arabia since July, including attacks involving Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea, Reuters said. Saudi Arabia has been accused of mounting extensive strikes in Yemen, and Saudi Arabia and international officials have condemned attacks on Saudi territory and infrastructure.
Yemen’s Ansarallah Targeted and HIT Riyadh International Airport in Saudi Arabia
— Ryan Rozbiani (@RyanRozbiani) September 19, 2026
FLIGHTS SUSPENDED
Some sources report that two Aramco fuel tanks north of the airport and the airport's cargo building were targeted.
Runways 15L and 15R at Riyadh International Airport are out… pic.twitter.com/VQ7HoQRZh2
The United Nations Security Council also condemned continued Ansarallah attacks on Saudi Arabia and civilian and energy infrastructure. The council expressed fear of casualties and the scale of military escalation in Yemen. The developments have only added to a tense Middle East security environment.
The latest incident is especially significant given Riyadh had not experienced this type of direct aerial warning so far in the current phase of the Yemen conflict. Saudi Arabia announced nationwide emergency alerts of a hostile aerial threat, which officials described as an attack, and there was at least one explosion in the capital, the Associated Press reported. AP also reported that the suspected threat was likely to be linked to Ansarallah, but it is not clear how much damage and casualties have been caused or who has been killed.
If the aviation authorities decide for safety reasons that a specific part of the airport is unsafe for travel, then travellers will experience some delays, diversions or cancellations. Claims that flights have been suspended and runways have been damaged should therefore be taken care of with caution until confirmed by Saudi aviation authorities or airline operators.
The latest developments are being closely watched because they involve two strategically important areas: aviation and energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia is still one of the world's largest oil producers, and Riyadh is the centre of international business and travel. Any prolonged disruption could have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate security situation.
The authorities are still assessing the situation, and there is still data on the targets reported, the state of airport facilities and the status of flight operations will be updated. Saudi authorities have lifted the emergency warnings, and residents and travellers are alert amid ongoing regional tension.
