Houthis say humanitarian flights to Riyadh will be allowed with authorization from Sana’a after attacks disrupt Saudi air travel
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said Friday that humanitarian flights to and from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport would be permitted for airlines that obtain authorization from the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center in Sana’a. The announcement follows Houthi warnings to airlines to avoid Saudi airspace and airports, except areas over Mecca and Medina.
The Houthis launched repeated missile attacks on Riyadh airport this week, with Thursday’s strikes killing three Saudi citizens, damaging a Saudia aircraft and disrupting air traffic. Several international airlines have suspended or cancelled services to the Saudi capital.
The latest aviation restrictions are part of a renewed escalation between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces, which has expanded from fighting inside Yemen to missile attacks on Saudi territory and growing risks for civilian aviation.
