Smoke and fire near Riyadh airport disrupt flights amid tensions

Smoke and flames were observed near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, causing major flight disruptions amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi authorities. Witnesses reported seeing a large plume of black smoke and fire in the direction of the airport, while residents in the capital described hearing explosions. The incident prompted significant disruptions to air traffic. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed multiple delays and cancellations, placing the airport at its highest disruption level. Saudi Civil Defense had issued aerial threat warnings for Riyadh and Al Kharj overnight, advising residents to remain in safe locations. The alert was the first for the capital since the latest escalation with the Houthis. An AFP journalist reported that firefighters were attempting to extinguish a burnt-out fuel tank bearing the Saudi Aramco logo near the airport. Saudi authorities have not confirmed the airport was directly attacked or identified the source of the threat. There were no immediate official reports of casualties or damage to the airport's facilities. The cause of the fire and smoke remains officially unconfirmed.