Riyadh airport closure extended after Ansarullah attack

Saudi Arabia has extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until 21:00 GMT on Sunday, according to a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) issued by Saudi civil aviation authorities. A NOTAM is an official alert that provides flight crews with time-sensitive information not known in advance. The extension follows an attack attributed to Ansarullah, the Yemeni group also known as the Houthis. There has been no official announcement from Saudi authorities regarding the extension of the closure.

The NOTAM, which was issued by Saudi civil aviation authorities, indicates that the airport will remain closed until at least 21:00 GMT on Sunday. The notice does not specify the reason for the extension, but it comes after an attack linked to Ansarullah. The group has been involved in a prolonged conflict in Yemen, and has previously launched attacks on Saudi territory. The closure of Riyadh's main international airport is a significant development, as it is one of the busiest airports in the region.

The attack that prompted the closure has not been detailed in the NOTAM, and there has been no official confirmation from Saudi authorities about the nature of the incident or the extent of any damage. The extension of the closure suggests that the situation may not yet be fully resolved. Flights to and from Riyadh are likely to be affected, and travelers are advised to check with airlines for updates.

Ansarullah, also known as the Houthi movement, has been fighting a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen since 2015. The group has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Saudi infrastructure in the past, including on airports and oil facilities. The conflict in Yemen has been widely described as a proxy war, with regional powers supporting different sides. The closure of King Khalid International Airport is a rare event, as the airport is a key hub for international travel in the Middle East.

According to Mehr News, the closure was extended until 21:00 GMT on Sunday, based on the NOTAM issued by Saudi civil aviation authorities. The report added that there has been no official announcement from Saudi authorities on the extension yet. The situation remains developing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.