Riyadh airport flights disrupted after attack claimed by Houthis

Flights at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport were disrupted after an attack on the Saudi capital that Yemen's Houthi rebels said they carried out. A fire at a fuel storage depot sent thick black smoke over the airport.

The Houthis said they struck Riyadh with missiles and drones on September 19, 2026. Saudi authorities said they intercepted the incoming threats.

Residents were told to stay indoors shortly before 03:00 local time. Two blasts were heard, and the warning was lifted about half an hour later. Saudi officials said the country brought down a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and stopped attacks on other cities, including Yanbu, an oil-export hub on the Red Sea.

The events add to worries about the security of energy supplies while carriers face much higher fuel costs. Over the same weekend, Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Russia's oil infrastructure overnight into September 20. Russian authorities said 1,110 drones were intercepted nationwide, at least 450 of them over Moscow. The strike damaged the Russian capital's main refinery and forced flights to be suspended at its three main airports.

Damage to refineries, storage sites and export routes can limit supplies of finished fuels even when crude oil remains available. Further disruption could increase pressure on airlines already paying more to operate their aircraft. According to the International Air Transport Association's fuel monitor, the average global refinery price for jet fuel was $181.46 per barrel, 6.1% higher than the week before. That reading was taken before the latest attacks.

Some carriers have already trimmed schedules because of fuel prices. American Airlines temporarily halted selected routes in August and September, citing jet fuel costs, and said affected passengers would receive alternative travel arrangements or refunds.