Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Smoke and Flames Near Riyadh Airport After Aerial Threat Alert
People near Riyadh’s main airport saw flames and a huge cloud of black smoke.
Some residents and journalists also heard loud booms or explosions.
Saudi authorities warned that there might be danger from the air.
The warning covered Riyadh and the nearby city of Al-Kharj.
Officials later said the danger had passed.
They did not immediately confirm what caused the smoke.
Flights at the airport were disrupted, with delays and cancellations reported.
The incident happened during worsening fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen.
Flames and a large plume of black smoke were seen near King Khalid International Airport on September 19.
Residents and journalists reported hearing booms or explosions after Saudi authorities issued aerial-threat alerts for Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
Saudi civil defence later issued an all-clear, while the government did not immediately explain the smoke or alerts.
FlightRadar24 reported major disruption at the airport, including delays and cancellations.
The incident occurred amid intensified Houthi attacks against Saudi targets and Saudi airstrikes against Houthi-held areas in Yemen.
- Who
- Saudi authorities, residents and journalists in Riyadh, the Houthi movement, and Saudi Arabia.
- What
- Flames and heavy black smoke appeared near Riyadh’s airport after aerial-threat alerts and reported explosions.
- When
- Saturday, September 19, after overnight alerts and before the Saturday morning all-clear.
- Where
- Near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; alerts were also issued for Al-Kharj.
- Why
- The immediate cause of the smoke was not confirmed; the incident occurred amid escalating Saudi-Houthi fighting.
Saudi Arabia and International Response
Houthi Position
Responsibility for the escalation
Saudi Arabia and International Response
Saudi Arabia and the United Nations Security Council have focused on continued Houthi attacks affecting Saudi civilian and energy infrastructure, while Saudi Arabia has conducted strikes against Houthi-held areas in Yemen.
Houthi Position
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree blamed Saudi Arabia for unspecified actions in Sanaa, and the Houthis say Saudi Arabia has carried out hundreds of airstrikes against them in recent days.
Purpose of the attacks
Saudi Arabia and International Response
Saudi Arabia and the United Nations Security Council characterize the Houthi attacks as threats to civilians, energy infrastructure, maritime security and international trade.
Houthi Position
The Houthis describe their attacks and announced blockade of Saudi-linked shipping as a response to Saudi military operations and identify Saudi-linked vessels as targets.
Cause of the Riyadh smoke
Saudi Arabia and International Response
Saudi authorities had issued a hostile-aerial-threat warning, but had not confirmed whether an incoming missile or drone caused the smoke; reports of a drone strike on apparent fuel tanks remained unconfirmed.
Houthi Position
No Houthi statement in the reports claimed responsibility for the smoke or explosions near the airport.
- Location
- Near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Visual evidence
- Flames and a large column of black smoke were seen near airport facilities and apparent fuel tanks
- Alerts
- Saudi civil defence warned of a possible hostile aerial threat in Riyadh and Al-Kharj
- Reported explosions
- Residents and journalists heard booms or explosions before the all-clear
- Official response
- Saudi civil defence issued an all-clear, but authorities did not immediately identify the cause or source of the threat
- Airport impact
- FlightRadar24 reported major disruption, including delays and cancellations
- Regional context
- The incident followed increased Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and Saudi airstrikes in Yemen
Sources
Smoke visible near Riyadh airport after Saudi Arabia issues all-clear
Riyadh airport: Explosions, black smoke and flight disrupt after Saudi ‘hostile aerial threat’ alert amid Houthi attacks
Flames, smoke seen near Riyadh airport after Saudi Arabia warning of aerial attack threat
Flames, black smoke seen near Riyadh airport amid Saudi-Houthi tensions: Report
