King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was evacuated and air traffic halted on Saturday after another attack on the Saudi capital’s main airport.
Two regional officials told the Associated Press that the airport came under renewed attack, with one saying air traffic had stopped. Residents reported hearing explosions across Riyadh, while the airport advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling.
No group had immediately claimed responsibility for Saturday’s incident at the time of the AP report.
The latest attack follows a series of strikes on Riyadh’s airport this week. Three Saudi citizens, including a Saudia pilot, were killed in attacks on Thursday.
Previous attacks were claimed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement.
A Saudia aircraft was also heavily damaged in the attacks, while flight schedules across the region have been disrupted. Lufthansa has suspended Riyadh service through October 16, and Etihad Airways and Flydubai cancelled some flights to and from the Saudi capital this weekend.
WWE is scheduled to hold Crown Jewel at Riyadh Season Stadium on November 7.
As of Saturday, WWE continues to list the event on its official schedule. No change to the event has been announced.
WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia began in 2018 and has included multiple Crown Jewel events, as well as Elimination Chamber, King & Queen of the Ring, Night of Champions and Royal Rumble. Riyadh is also scheduled to host WrestleMania 43 in 2027.
The renewed attacks come amid escalating fighting in Yemen. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched an offensive against the Houthis, with a Saudi-led coalition providing air support in an effort to reverse Houthi territorial gains along the Red Sea.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia advised American citizens to exercise heightened vigilance because of Houthi threats against airports and Saudi airspace.
The warning noted the possibility of flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruption, and urged travelers to confirm flight status directly with airlines and airports.
Other governments have since tightened their guidance. The United Kingdom now advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh province and warns that further attacks against airports are “very likely.” Canada currently advises against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia because of the volatile regional security situation.
