The Houthis have claimed fresh missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, reportedly targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Najran Airport and an airbase in Khamis Mushait on Thursday. The group also reportedly warned workers to stay away from Saudi oil facilities and airports, which it considers potential targets. Saudi Arabia’s coalition said its air defences intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles, with two targeting Riyadh and one aimed at Khamis Mushait. The coalition also stressed that the attacks would not go unpunished.

The developments have disrupted international air travel, prompting several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air, to temporarily suspend or curtail their Riyadh services. King Khalid International Airport urged passengers to check their flight status with their respective airlines before travelling to the airport. Akasa Air suspended flights to and from Riyadh through Saturday, while IndiGo cancelled its Riyadh services through Friday. Air India said a flight from Delhi to Riyadh returned to Delhi on Thursday and was subsequently cancelled “in the interest of safety”. The airline also suspended all flights to and from Riyadh until Saturday.

Meanwhile, the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait and Bahrain condemned the reported Houthi attacks on Saudi airports. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the attacks constitute a flagrant violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and reaffirmed the UAE’s full solidarity with the Kingdom. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia also issued an advisory to Indian nationals on Thursday following reports of several explosions in Riyadh, including a loud blast at King Khalid International Airport. The embassy urged Indian nationals to remain alert, stay indoors when necessary and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

“In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain alert and vigilant, stay indoors as necessary, and follow the instructions issued by local authorities through official channels,” the embassy said.

It further added, "Indian nationals are strongly advised to refrain from circulating or reposting any videos or news related to the ongoing events. The Embassy of India, Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah and its outsourced services through VFS, are continuing to function normally and will issue updates and advisories as and when necessary."

The embassy also confirmed that its operations in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah, along with outsourced services through VFS, were continuing normally. It said further updates and advisories would be issued as necessary.