Organizers of major Saudi energy and investment conferences have confirmed that their events will proceed as scheduled this month, offering assurances of security following a deadly missile attack on Riyadh's airport that resulted in four fatalities and significant damage to an aircraft.
The attacks caused widespread flight disruptions, prompting travelers to seek alternative land routes or longer, indirect flights. Consequently, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have advised their citizens to avoid travel to Riyadh.
Despite escalating conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen, which has led to numerous attacks on the kingdom in recent weeks, Riyadh remains committed to hosting international events and attracting investment. The World Petroleum Congress, scheduled to convene global oil executives and policymakers from Sunday to Thursday, will proceed as planned with foreign leaders and ministers in attendance. Organizers emphasized that participant comfort is a priority and noted the availability of alternative routes, including a four-hour drive from Dammam on the kingdom's eastern coast.
However, Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin announced he would not travel to Riyadh for the International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting, a related event, opting instead to participate via video link. The Future Investment Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is also slated to proceed from October 26-29. Organizers stated that comprehensive security measures would be implemented at airports, conference venues, and official hotels, with coordinated transportation arrangements for participants.
The Houthi movement has declared Saudi airspace a zone of military operations and advised airlines to avoid it. This declaration follows an offensive launched by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government against the group earlier this month. Several airlines, including Germany's Lufthansa, have suspended flights to Riyadh through October 16, while Gulf carriers Etihad Airways and Flydubai have canceled services to and from the Saudi capital on October 10. Saudi Arabia has responded to the Houthi attacks with strikes on missile launcher sites, vowing to protect the kingdom and reporting the interception of numerous ballistic missiles.
