Houthi attacks ground nearly 90% of Riyadh flights, forcing cancellations, paralyzing nation
The upheaval also spread beyond the Saudi capital. More than 7,800 flights, or 45% of all scheduled departures from Saudi airports, were canceled between October 8 and October 25
Assessment
The Houthi campaign has effectively shut down Saudi Arabia's air network, with Riyadh bearing the brunt. Nearly 90% of the capital's flights are grounded, and the nationwide cancellation rate of 45% over a two-week window signals a systemic disruption, not a localized incident. This is economic paralysis as much as a security crisis. Airlines are losing revenue, supply chains are straining, and the country's status as a regional transit hub is at risk. Watch whether the Saudi response escalates militarily or seeks a diplomatic off-ramp, since prolonged grounding will deepen the economic toll.