Yemen's Houthi rebels have issued a sweeping warning declaring the majority of Saudi Arabian airspace and its commercial airports active military targets, strictly prohibiting foreign air traffic while exempting flights operating to and from the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Speaking on Sunday (October 11, 2026), Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree reiterated the group's ultimatum to international airlines, aviation specialists, and commercial carriers, warning them to immediately divert routes away from Saudi skies or face the risk of military engagement. Saree explicitly clarified that flight operations serving the holy airspaces of Makkah and Madinah remain the sole exception to this ban.
Citing continuing military actions by Saudi Arabia, Saree declared that all consequences arising from ignoring this aviation warning rest entirely upon the Saudi government. The escalation comes less than 24 hours after a devastating Houthi missile strike hit a busy passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, resulting in 12 fatalities—including two Bangladeshi expatriates—and injuring 309 others. International aviation bodies and regional carriers are currently evaluating flight corridors across the Middle East as operations at major Saudi transport hubs face severe disruptions.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by International Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
