Saudi conferences to proceed despite deadly Riyadh airport attacks, Reuters report

Organisers of two major Saudi energy and investment conferences will proceed with their events this month despite missile attacks on Riyadh's airport that killed four people and heavily damaged an airliner, Reuters reported on Saturday, as security concerns disrupt flights to the kingdom.

The attacks have prompted widespread travel disruption, with Britain, France and Germany warning citizens against travelling to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has faced repeated attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces in neighbouring Yemen amid an escalating regional conflict.

The World Petroleum Congress, which attracts global oil executives and policymakers, will run from Sunday through Thursday as scheduled, organisers told delegates in an email seen by Reuters. Alternative travel arrangements include flying to Dammam on Saudi Arabia's eastern coast and completing the roughly four-hour journey to Riyadh by road.

Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said on Friday he would attend the International Energy Forum ministerial meeting, held alongside the congress, by video link rather than travel to Riyadh, Reuters reported.

The Future Investment Initiative, Saudi Arabia's flagship investment conference launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a decade ago, will also proceed as planned from October 26-29.

Organisers said comprehensive security measures would cover Riyadh's airports, conference venues and official hotels, with coordinated transport for participants. JPMorgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon and Citi Chief Executive Jane Fraser were among the expected attendees. 

The Houthis have warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace, declaring it a military operations zone after Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces launched an offensive against the group earlier this month.

Airlines have curtailed services, with Lufthansa suspending Riyadh flights through October 16, while Etihad Airways and Flydubai cancelled services scheduled for Saturday, Reuters reported.

Saudi Arabia has retaliated with strikes on Houthi missile-launch sites and said it has intercepted numerous ballistic missiles fired by the group.

The decision to maintain the conference schedules underscores Riyadh's efforts to keep international business and investment activity on track despite rising security risks and travel uncertainty.