RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia is facing a growing security crisis after a projectile struck a passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Sunday. The incident came less than 24 hours after a missile attack that killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300, according to updated Associated Press (AP) reporting. Authorities reported additional injuries, and the airport remained closed.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen attributed the attacks to the group, which also claimed responsibility for other strikes against Saudi targets. Authorities additionally reported an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

The escalation raises concerns over aviation safety, flight operations and the potential expansion of the conflict. US President Donald Trump has indicated that he is considering possible military involvement against the Houthis.

Tourism faces a major test

The attacks come at a critical moment for Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. Through its Vision 2030 strategy, the kingdom is seeking to reduce its dependence on oil revenues by developing tourism, entertainment, culture, international events and investment in new infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia’s official tourism strategy targets 150 million domestic and international tourist visits annually by 2030, a tourism contribution of 10% of gross domestic product and 1.6 million jobs across the sector. These objectives underline tourism’s central role in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic diversification agenda.

The kingdom has committed substantial resources to developing new destinations, luxury resorts, airport infrastructure and major projects along the Red Sea. It has also worked to attract international airlines, hotel operators, investors and visitors as it seeks to establish itself as a global tourism destination.

The King Salman International Airport master plan in Riyadh is designed to accommodate up to 100 million passengers annually by 2030, illustrating the scale of the country’s ambitions for international connectivity.

Security and international confidence

The latest attacks pose a challenge that extends beyond immediate damage and casualties. Perceived safety is fundamental to attracting international visitors, airline investment, major conferences and global business events.

Airport closures, flight suspensions, warnings issued by the Houthis and uncertainty over Saudi airspace could influence travel decisions, disrupt airline schedules and increase operating costs. A prolonged conflict could also affect investor confidence in tourism developments that require years of planning and substantial capital commitments.

The risks extend to energy infrastructure and strategic maritime routes. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping corridor connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, is particularly important as tensions threaten other regional routes and global oil supplies.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation is designed to create new sources of economic growth beyond hydrocarbons. However, continued instability could undermine two essential foundations of that strategy: reliable international connectivity and confidence in the kingdom as a safe destination.

The challenge for Riyadh is no longer simply attracting tourists and investment. It is protecting the security and international confidence required to turn its multibillion-dollar tourism ambitions into a sustainable economic reality.