Saudi Arabia’s main international gateway in Riyadh has extended its suspension of operations following deadly Houthi attacks, with reported damage to radar and communications equipment raising fresh concerns about how quickly normal flight services can resume.
A senior aviation source in the Saudi capital told Agence France-Presse on Sunday that operations had been halted again after authorities announced a temporary closure the previous night. A second aviation source said flights had been suspended until further notice.
“Riyadh airport has suspended operations again today. They informed us of this at dawn,” the first source said.
The second source disclosed that some critical systems had been damaged, including radar and communications equipment. Runways also needed to be assessed before operations could safely resume.
Air traffic monitor Flightradar24 confirmed the extended disruption in a statement posted on X, saying the closure had been extended by another 24 hours, until 21:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on Sunday, October 11.
That deadline does not necessarily mean flights will resume at that time. The aviation sources described the suspension as continuing until further notice, indicating that reopening depends on operational assessments and the condition of essential airport systems.
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Why radar and communications matter
Radar helps air traffic controllers track aircraft, while communications equipment allows pilots and ground controllers to exchange instructions. Damage to either system can complicate the safe management of arrivals and departures.
Even if runways are physically usable, airport authorities must establish that essential navigation, communication and safety arrangements can support flight operations. The need to assess the runways adds another step before services can return.
The disruption could also affect passengers whose journeys depend on connecting flights through Riyadh. Airlines may need to cancel, divert or reschedule services, while travellers could face missed connections and longer journeys. However, the available report does not provide figures for affected flights or passengers.
Attacks intensify regional security concerns
The shutdown follows deadly Houthi attacks on the airport, according to the report. The Houthis are an armed movement in Yemen that has fought Saudi-backed forces and expanded its control over parts of the country.
The latest escalation comes amid fighting over territory along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Yemeni government forces have been attempting to retake coastal areas captured by Houthi fighters, according to the report.
The airport incident therefore carries significance beyond the immediate interruption to air travel. Damage to a major aviation facility can affect civilian mobility, airline operations and confidence in regional transport security.
For passengers travelling between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, particularly those using Riyadh as a transit point, the suspension could create uncertainty over onward connections. Travellers should confirm flight status directly with their airlines before leaving for the airport.
Reopening depends on safety checks
The extension of the closure reflects the gap between announcing a reopening deadline and confirming that an airport can safely handle flights again.
As of Sunday, the aviation sources cited by AFP had not provided a confirmed resumption time. The extent of the reported equipment damage, the outcome of runway inspections and further instructions from Saudi aviation authorities will determine the next steps.
Until those assessments are completed, the shutdown leaves airlines and passengers facing an uncertain timetable.
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