Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport have triggered a new wave of international and regional condemnation after Saudi authorities said two attacks on King Khalid International Airport killed three Saudi citizens, including Saudia pilot Captain Hamoud Ali Al-Kalthami.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said the first attack targeted airport facilities while the second struck an aircraft belonging to Saudia. The authority said emergency teams responded immediately and that airport operations later returned to normal.

The attacks have drawn responses from the European Union, Kuwait, Jordan and senior Gulf figures, all emphasizing concerns over civilian safety and regional stability.

Houthi Attacks on Riyadh Airport Draw International Condemnation

The latest Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport prompted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to express solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf.

Von der Leyen said attacks on civilian infrastructure were unacceptable and offered condolences to the families of those killed. She also called for an end to attacks by Iran-backed groups in the region.

Her comments came as governments across the Gulf and wider Middle East issued separate statements condemning the strikes.

1. European Union Expresses Solidarity With Saudi Arabia

The European Commission president said the EU stood with Saudi Arabia and its Gulf partners following the deadly attack.

Her response focused particularly on the civilian nature of the target.

Airports are protected civilian infrastructure, and attacks that endanger passengers, employees and aircraft can have consequences well beyond the immediate damage, including disruption to international aviation and regional travel.

The Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport therefore drew attention not only as a security incident but also as an attack affecting civilian transport infrastructure.

2. Kuwait Condemns Attacks and Backs Saudi Security Measures

Kuwait strongly condemned the attacks and described them as a direct threat to civilian safety, air navigation and regional security.

According to the statement reported by Arab News, Kuwait reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and said it supported measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its sovereignty, citizens and residents.

Kuwait also called for an immediate halt to attacks affecting civilian facilities.

The response reflects wider Gulf concerns that repeated attacks on airports and transport infrastructure could undermine both national security and regional connectivity.

3. Jordan Calls Attacks Violation of Saudi Sovereignty

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport, calling them a violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to the Kingdom’s security and stability.

The ministry said the attacks represented a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ambassador Fuad Al-Majali expressed condolences to the Saudi government, the Saudi people and the families of the victims, while also wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Jordan reiterated what it described as its absolute solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

4. Former GCC Chief Warns of Wider Regional Impact

Former Gulf Cooperation Council secretary-general Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Attiyah also condemned the attacks.

He argued that aggression against Saudi Arabia threatened not only the Kingdom but the wider security and stability of Gulf Cooperation Council states.

His comments reflect a long-standing GCC position that the security of individual Gulf states is closely interconnected.

The latest Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport have therefore become part of a broader regional discussion about the protection of civilian infrastructure and collective Gulf security.

Saudia Pilot Among Those Killed

Saudi civil aviation authorities confirmed that Captain Hamoud Ali Al-Kalthami, a Saudia pilot, was among those killed.

Saudia Group issued a statement mourning the captain and recognizing his service and professionalism.

The aircraft targeted in the second attack had no passengers onboard, according to the reporting reviewed by The Arabian Buzz.

The deaths have intensified the reaction to the attacks because they involved civilian aviation personnel rather than military targets.

Airport Operations Resume

Despite the attacks, Saudi aviation authorities said operations at King Khalid International Airport resumed and air traffic returned to normal after emergency procedures were completed.

GACA said authorities were working with security agencies to assess damage and maintain the safety of passengers, airport staff and the wider aviation system.

The restoration of operations is significant because King Khalid International Airport is one of Saudi Arabia’s major international aviation hubs.

Attacks Come Amid Wider Escalation

The Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport are part of a broader escalation involving missile and drone attacks against Saudi cities and infrastructure.

Recent attacks have also affected Abha International Airport, while Saudi air defenses have intercepted ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh and Khamis Mushait.

The Arab League and United Nations have separately condemned attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. The UN reiterated that such attacks may violate international humanitarian law.

Pakistan has also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial security following the recent attacks.

Regional Security Concerns Deepen

The latest condemnations show how attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure are drawing responses from both Gulf states and international partners.

For Riyadh, the immediate focus remains on protecting airports, passengers and civilian facilities while maintaining normal aviation operations.

For neighboring governments, the Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport have raised wider concerns over regional security and the possibility that continued attacks could disrupt transport, commerce and civilian life.

Further developments will depend on the course of the conflict and whether attacks on Saudi infrastructure continue.

The Arabian Buzz has also reported on Saudi Arabia’s response to continued Houthi attacks and threats to civilian infrastructure.

Source: Arab News — original condemnation report
Strong condemnations against Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport

Arab News — Saudia pilot killed in Riyadh airport attack
Saudia pilot killed in attack on Riyadh airport