WWE’s trip to Saudi Arabia has been hit with another major security concern after King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was evacuated and air traffic was halted following another attack on the Saudi capital.
According to the Associated Press, the airport came under attack, forcing an evacuation and temporarily halting flights. Two regional officials confirmed the disruption, while residents across Riyadh reported hearing explosions. The airport also advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling.
No group had claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack when the report was published. However, it came just days after previous strikes on Riyadh’s airport that were claimed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement. Those earlier attacks killed three Saudi citizens, including a Saudia pilot, and also heavily damaged a Saudia aircraft.
The latest attack has already had an impact on travel. Lufthansa has suspended flights to Riyadh through October 16, while Etihad Airways and Flydubai canceled some flights to and from the Saudi capital this weekend as airlines continue monitoring the situation.
All of this comes with WWE Crown Jewel now less than a month away. The Premium Live Event is still scheduled for November 7 at Riyadh Season Stadium, and as of Saturday, WWE hasn’t announced any changes to its plans. The event remains listed on the company’s official schedule, despite talent and staff being concerned about the trip.
This is also the latest development in what’s been a growing list of concerns surrounding Crown Jewel. Earlier this week, the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a security alert reminding Americans to stay vigilant because of ongoing Houthi threats involving Saudi airports and airspace. The advisory warned travelers about possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other disruptions, while encouraging Americans to closely follow local security updates.
For now, it’s business as usual from WWE’s side. But with another attack shutting down Riyadh’s main airport and airlines already adjusting their schedules, it’s easy to see why fans and people inside the company will continue keeping a close eye on the situation over the next few weeks.
Do you think WWE should stick with its current Crown Jewel plans, or would you rather see the company move the event if the security situation doesn’t improve? Let us know in the comments below.
