Air travel becomes dangerous front line in global conflicts

Commercial aviation is facing increasing security threats as escalating conflicts across the world expose airports, aircraft and international airspace to missile and drone attacks.

According to The Wall Street Journal, airports across the Middle East have repeatedly come under attack since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran in February 2026.

The latest incident occurred on Saturday when Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The newspaper reported that at least 12 people were killed and more than 300 others injured in the attack.

The incident has prompted governments to caution travellers against flying to Saudi Arabia or passing through its airspace.

The report highlighted growing dangers to civilian aviation, noting that parked aircraft have been struck by missiles or debris from air defence systems, resulting in casualties among passengers and crew members.

The attacks have intensified concerns about aviation safety as regional conflicts increasingly threaten civilian transport infrastructure and international flight operations.