Houthi protests in Sanaa as Riyadh airport stays closed after deadly attacks

Houthi supporters brandished weapons in a protest against Saudi intervention in Sanaa on October 9, 2026, after the group seized Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline in a lightning offensive last month. Yemeni government forces are now trying to retake the captured coastal territory. Meanwhile, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport remains closed following fatal Houthi attacks that killed 12 and wounded hundreds; aviation sources say radar and communications equipment are damaged and runways need assessment, with operations suspended until further notice and the closure extended another 24 hours until 21:00 UTC today.

For Nigerians, the airport shutdown affects flights to and from Saudi Arabia, potentially disrupting pilgrimage, business travel, and cargo shipments, while the Red Sea escalation raises concerns about global oil shipping lanes that influence fuel prices at home.

Travelers should check with airlines for rebooking options, consider alternate routes via nearby airports such as Jeddah or Dubai, and monitor official updates; those reliant on Red Sea trade should watch for possible shipping delays and cost changes.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/10/11/riyadh-airport-extends-shutdown-after-deadly-houthi-attacks/