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    Houthi missile strikes on Riyadh airport escalate economic challenges for Saudi Arabia

    Section editor: ·Low12 articles covering this·11 news sources·Updated 4 hours ago·MENA
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    A visual representation of the Houthi missile strikes on Riyadh Airport and their economic consequences for Saudi Arabia.

    What happened

    Houthi missile and drone strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport killed at least 14 people and injured hundreds, leading to the suspension of airport operations.

    The Context

    • Ongoing conflict: The attacks are part of a broader regional conflict linked to the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, which has already impacted Saudi oil exports.
    • Economic strain: Saudi Arabia is facing projected GDP contraction of 3.6% for 2026, driven by defense spending and oil disruptions.
    • Travel disruptions: Major airlines have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia, affecting international travel and business engagements.

    The Number

    3.6%

    — This is the projected contraction of Saudi GDP for 2026, highlighting the economic impact of ongoing conflicts and disruptions in the energy sector.

    Takeaway

    As tensions escalate, expect continued volatility in regional markets and potential shifts in international investment strategies.

    12 Articles
    Gulf News

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    Gulf News

    Riyadh missile attack: Falling shrapnel injures resident as Houthis claim new airport strike

    A missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, resulting in falling shrapnel that injured a resident. This incident occurred on October 14, 2026, amidst ongoing hostilities and follows a series of missi...

    France 24

    Blasts rock Riyadh as Houthis vow to continue striking Saudi airports, oil facilities

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    France 24 Middle East

    Blasts rock Riyadh as Houthis vow to continue striking Saudi airports, oil facilities

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    BBC News

    Missiles intercepted near Riyadh after Saudi coalition hits Yemen fuel depot

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    Khaleej Times

    Over 3,000 Saudi flights cancelled in a week as Houthi attacks shut Riyadh airport

    Over 3,000 flights have been cancelled in Saudi Arabia within a week due to Houthi attacks that have led to the shutdown of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The violence has resulted in significant casualties, including 12 deaths and over...

    RT (Russia Today)

    Main Saudi airport remains closed as Houthis launch new missile attacks (VIDEOS)

    Saudi Arabia has extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following a series of missile attacks by Houthi forces, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The latest attacks occurred over the weekend, prompting t...

    Gulf News

    How did Houthi missiles travel over 1,000km and breach Saudi air defences in deadly Riyadh airport attacks?

    Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and over 300 injuries, marking one of the deadliest attacks on Saudi soil in over a decade. This incident highlights t...

    Gulf News

    How did Houthi missiles travel over 1,000km and breach Saudi air defences in deadly Riyadh airport attacks?

    Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and over 300 injuries, marking one of the deadliest attacks on Saudi soil in over a decade. This incident highlights t...

    Financial Times

    Houthi assault on Saudi airports strikes at MBS’s economic vision

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    The Guardian

    Saudi Arabia further suspends flights after latest deadly Houthi attack on airport

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    HuffPost

    Skies Over Saudi Capital Empty After Deadly Houthi Airport Strikes

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    The New York Times

    Strikes Put Saudi Arabia’s Economy Under Pressure

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    NBC News

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    The Arabian Post

    Saudi airport cancellations mount after deadly Houthi strikes

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