Major flight disruptions were reported at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday (September 19), as witnesses reported seeing smoke and flames near the airport, according to Reuters and AFP.
Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 reported significant delays and cancellations, assigning the airport its maximum disruption index of 5.0, indicating major operational problems.
Reuters reported that a large plume of black smoke was visible near the airport, while an eyewitness reported seeing flames. AFP, citing reports from the scene, said a fuel tank belonging to Saudi Aramco near the airport was on fire.
The disruption followed overnight air raid alerts issued by Saudi authorities in Riyadh and Al-Kharj amid intensified fighting in neighboring Yemen. Saudi Civil Defense subsequently announced that the danger had passed.
The cause of the reported fire has not been officially confirmed, and there has been no verified indication that the airport itself was directly struck.
The extent of the damage and the timeline for the resumption of normal flight operations remain unclear. (Newswire)