Flames, smoke seen near Saudi's Riyadh airport, several flights cancelled after 'major problems': Reports

Data on Flightradar 24 showed an arrival delay index and departure delay index of 5, the highest in its disruption index which signals delays and cancellations. Residents in Saudi Arabia's Capital city Riyadh on Saturday witnessed smoke and flames rising from an area near the international airport, news agencies AFP and Reuters reported. This comes even as flight-tracking data showed “major problems” with the arrival and delay of aircraft at the airport.The alert in Riyadh was a first for the Saudi Capital since the latest escalation of hostilities with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis. (REUTERS)"In the direction of the airport we saw black smoke and fire," AFP cited one of the residents as saying. Meanwhile, data on Flightradar 24 showed an arrival delay index and departure delay index of 5 in its 5-point disruption index. A delay index between 3.5 and 5 on the website signals major problems with long delays and several canceled flights, according to Flightradar 24.This comes after Saudi Arabia warned of a “hostile aerial threat” and issued emergency alerts across the country, including in its capital, late Friday and early Saturday. The alert in Riyadh was a first for the Saudi Capital since the latest escalation of hostilities with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read MoreSaudi ArabiaGet the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.