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Flames and black smoke were seen near Riyadh airport on Saturday, while residents reported explosions amid heightened fighting in neighbouring Yemen.
Riyadh Airport Disruptions, Fire Reported Amid Intensifying Yemen Fighting (Photo: Video Screengrab)
A large plume of black smoke and flames were seen near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday after loud booms were heard across parts of the Saudi capital and authorities issued overnight warnings about a potential aerial threat.
Saudi Civil Defence sent alerts to residents in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, a city east of the capital, warning of possible danger from aerial attacks. The alerts were later lifted with an all-clear on Saturday morning.
Reuters photographs and video showed a huge column of black smoke rising near the airport, with flames visible behind what appeared to be fuel tanks. An AFP journalist also reported seeing an Aramco fuel tank near the airport on fire, while firefighters were seen attempting to put out the flames.
Two Riyadh residents told AFP they saw black smoke and fire in the direction of the airport.
“In the direction of the airport we saw black smoke and fire,” one resident told AFP.
🇸🇦⚔️🇾🇪Fresh video clips circulating online depict thick columns of dark smoke billowing upward after an apparent Houthi assault on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the Saudi capital.1/2 pic.twitter.com/OpbWQpNx72
— Terror Alerts (@Terroralerts007) September 19, 2026
Riyadh Airport Faces Flight Disruptions
The incident was followed by major disruptions at King Khalid International Airport.
FlightRadar24 reported cancellations and delays at the airport and placed it at 5.0 on its disruption index, its maximum level, indicating “major problems with long delays and several cancelled flights.”
Residents also reported hearing further explosions after the early morning alert. A Reuters journalist in Riyadh’s Olaya area heard booms before the all-clear was issued.
Saudi Authorities Issue Aerial Threat Alerts
The overnight warnings were issued amid an escalation in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group against Saudi Arabia.
Reuters reported that the alerts were the first in Riyadh since the escalation involving the Houthis began in July. The group has launched attacks towards Saudi Arabia after declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh, with attacks also targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea.
However, Saudi authorities had not immediately identified the source of the aerial threat or publicly confirmed that the fire near the airport was caused by a Houthi attack. The Saudi government’s media office also had not immediately responded to Reuters’ questions about the smoke and overnight alerts.
The incident comes amid intensifying fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in neighbouring Yemen. The UN Security Council has condemned continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including attacks affecting civilian and energy infrastructure, as well as the group’s military escalation in Yemen.
Quick Answers
Ask News18A large plume of black smoke and flames appeared near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport following overnight warnings of a potential aerial threat and reports of loud booms across the Saudi capital. Online video clips and reports indicated an apparent Houthi assault that targeted a fuel tank near the airport, prompting firefighters to attempt to put out the blaze.
Ask News18About the Author
Pragya Bahuguna is a digital journalist at News18.com, covering national and international news, including Indian politics and geopolitics, with an interest in environment and climate affairs. She hol…Read More
Delhi, India, India
September 19, 2026, 8:00 PM IST
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