Explosions reported in Riyadh as airport says flights will resume after closure

An AFP journalist in Riyadh heard three explosions in the early hours of Sunday, 25 October 2026, according to Daily Sabah and The Hindu. Both outlets publish nearly identical reports that cite AFP, though neither states that its report is based on AFP. Vocemundi therefore treats them as a single source.

Residents of Riyadh received alert messages warning of a 'hostile aerial threat', according to the reports. The messages urged people to stay in a safe place. Warnings were also issued for Abha city and Namas Governorate in southern Saudi Arabia.

The explosions came as Riyadh's international airport said flights would resume on Sunday. The airport had been closed for two weeks after Houthi strikes. It remained unclear to what extent the airport was operational. The reports do not say whether any flights took off or landed.

The reports do not say what caused the three explosions. They do not describe any damage or casualties from Sunday's events.

Earlier this month, a Houthi attack on the Riyadh airport killed 13 people and wounded more than 300, according to the reports. They describe it as the deadliest attack in the kingdom in more than a decade. The reports do not say who provided these figures.

Fighting escalated after a years-long truce between the Houthis and Yemen's Saudi-backed government broke down, the reports say. Last month, the Houthis took control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coast. The escalation has disrupted oil markets, businesses, airlines and residents in Saudi Arabia. The Hindu adds that the fighting has shifted the focus of the wider U.S.-Iran war.

In Khamis Mushait, a resident told AFP, according to The Hindu: "The bombardment has been very heavy since this morning — may God keep us safe. Everything is shaking because of the explosions."

What is disputed

The Saudi civil defense agency said it responded to falling debris in the Mecca and Medina regions on Saturday, 24 October 2026, after two Houthi missiles were intercepted. The Houthis denied targeting the two cities. Daily Sabah reports that they called the Saudi claim a "huge lie".

What each side says

The Saudi-led coalition says its air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and downed two drones near the capital on Sunday morning. The Hindu quoted a coalition post on X: "Air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh." The coalition also says it intercepted a cruise missile fired at Khamis Mushait. According to Daily Sabah only, it intercepted 10 Houthi missiles fired at southern Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned airlines, staff and travellers against using King Khalid Airport, calling it "unsafe" and "a military target for our forces", according to The Hindu. He said "the Saudi regime shall bear the consequences of any operations at the airport." The Houthis also say they targeted three Saudi airports, energy installations, a pipeline and an air base within 24 hours. The Houthis also fired at Aden, the interim seat of Yemen's Saudi-backed government, saying they targeted a naval base and military camp overseen by Saudi forces.

The reports do not include independent verification of either side's claims.

Analysis

The airport's reopening and the Houthi warning point in opposite directions. Airlines and travellers may weigh the reopening against the stated threat. Several scenarios are possible. Interceptions could allow flights to continue with limited disruption. Further strikes could prolong closures and deepen effects on oil markets and businesses. Renewed talks could revive the collapsed truce. Key uncertainties remain. The reports do not show whether the airport is operating or what caused Sunday's explosions. Their near-identical wording and references to AFP suggest a common origin, though neither outlet says so. Independent verification of military claims from both sides would be needed before drawing firmer conclusions.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.