Houthis attacks on Saudi airports – tracking disruptions and restoration

What happened — the development in detail

Saudi-led coalition forces intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile in the Medina area on October 15 3. This engagement followed a Wednesday operation where the coalition reported the destruction of a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh, alongside two drones and four cruise missiles aimed at the capital 24. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that these operations targeted King Khalid International Airport, the Riyadh Aramco refinery, and Aramco headquarters in Dhahran 24.

While the Saudi Ministry of Energy initially reported a "limited fire" at the Aramco administration building in Dhahran following the October 13 strikes, subsequent reports indicate the damage was more extensive 24. The fire spread between the sixth and 10th floors of the south wing, with the top three floors—housing the office of the CEO—suffering caved-in ceilings and blown-out windows 4. The Dhahran facility serves as a 58-square-kilometer operations center overseeing refineries, export terminals, and pipelines 4.

In aerial combat over Yemen’s Saada Governorate, Houthi-affiliated media released footage on October 15 showing a surface-to-air missile proximity detonation damaging a Royal Saudi Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon 1. The infrared video showed the missile’s warhead detonating near the aircraft’s starboard wing, causing the wingtip to trail a visible plume 1. Houthi spokespersons stated the aircraft did not crash, though the pilot’s ability to return to a Saudi airfield or the necessity of an ejection remained unconfirmed by Saudi authorities 1. Analysts noted the weapon appeared to be an Iranian-supplied Barq 1 or Barq 2 missile, or a Soviet-era system 1.

Why it matters — the consequences

The escalation has disrupted high-level diplomacy and international aviation. The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council postponed a joint summit scheduled for next week in Saudi Arabia, citing Houthi attempts to target civilian infrastructure as a threat to the safety of attendees 2.

Aviation operations at King Khalid International Airport remain suspended following the October 10 and 11 strikes that killed 14 people and injured over 300 2. Major carriers including Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Philippine Airlines have announced flight suspensions to Riyadh 2. The U.S. embassy in Riyadh has issued warnings to American citizens regarding potential airspace closures and travel disruptions 2.

The conflict has moved into a more technologically advanced phase, with reports indicating Houthi forces are developing versions of the Iranian Kheibar Shekan precision-guided missile using components from Chinese suppliers 4. This weapon has a range of approximately 1,200 miles, placing the entirety of Saudi Arabia within reach 4. Saudi analyst Ali Shihabi noted that the kingdom’s 800-mile border with Yemen makes it unrealistic for defense systems to guarantee complete protection against such a volume of fire 2.

What's next — the concrete next events

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree declared on October 14 that operations against Saudi airports and oil facilities will continue in the coming days 24. The group has issued an immediate evacuation warning to international shipping companies, civilians, and workers at these sites, designating them as legitimate targets 4.

The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council have stated the postponed summit will be rescheduled, though no new date has been set 2. A statement from the Saudi Ministry of Defense would confirm the operational status of the Eurofighter Typhoon damaged over Saada. Further assessments from Conflict Armament Research are expected to detail the supply chain of Chinese components used in Houthi missile production 4. In Yemen, the retreat of Houthi lines from the Mayyun Peninsula toward Dhubab suggests a potential push by government-aligned forces toward the port of Mokha 1.

What happened — the development in detail

The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh on Wednesday, October 14 1. The engagement followed the activation of warning alerts in the capital and the nearby Al-Kharj governorate 1. Witnesses in Riyadh reported hearing four explosions after the alerts sounded 1. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated the group conducted a military operation targeting King Khalid International Airport, an Aramco refinery in Riyadh, and Aramco facilities in Dhahran 1.

While Saudi authorities have not confirmed successful strikes on airports for October 14, the Saudi Energy Ministry reported that a missile struck an office tower at Aramco’s headquarters in Dhahran on Tuesday evening, causing a fire in an administration building 2. Following these engagements, reports indicated that Aramco employees were instructed to work from home on Wednesday 2. The latest interceptions follow a Tuesday incident where debris from two cruise missiles fell in Riyadh, injuring four people and causing minor damage to 15 houses 1. Saree characterized these actions as "deterrence operations" in response to more than 2,000 Saudi-led airstrikes conducted during the current escalation 2.

Why it matters

The designation of Saudi aviation and energy infrastructure as "legitimate targets" by Houthi forces has led to direct warnings for international shipping companies and workers to evacuate these sites 1. This threat to civilian infrastructure follows a week of high-casualty engagements, including strikes on Riyadh airports that killed more than a dozen people 2. The Houthi movement has tied the cessation of these attacks to the end of Saudi involvement in the Yemeni civil war 2.

For the energy market, the targeting of the Eastern Province and Riyadh refineries places state-owned petroleum assets under direct physical threat, evidenced by the fire at the Dhahran headquarters 2. The legal and security environment for international carriers remains volatile as Houthi officials promise "severe consequences" and continued operations against airports in the coming days 1. The escalation, which began in July after the collapse of a 2022 truce, is now linked to broader regional maritime blockades in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz 2.

What's next

Houthi forces have stated they will continue targeting Saudi airports and oil facilities in the coming days 1. The group has specifically warned that targets will be hit if bombing continues in Sanaa 2. A statement from the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation would be required to confirm if the current suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport, previously set to expire at 21:00 UTC on October 17, will be extended further following the Wednesday missile interception. Further updates from Saudi Civil Defense will determine the extent of residential damage and casualty counts as debris from the October 14 interceptions is cleared.

What happened

Saudi coalition forces intercepted six missiles and three drones across the kingdom on October 13 4. Major General Turki al-Maliki confirmed the destruction of one ballistic missile targeting Dhahran and another aimed at Haradh in the Al-Ahsa Governorate 4. In the Riyadh region and southern territories, the coalition intercepted four cruise missiles and three drones 4. While the coalition reported no casualties from this wave, shrapnel from the Dhahran interception fell in a residential area 14.

The Saudi Ministry of Energy confirmed a "limited fire" at an Aramco administration building in Dhahran following the strikes 15. The facility houses a major operations center for the state-owned oil giant, overseeing a network of refineries, pipelines, and export terminals 5. Houthi forces had issued specific warnings prior to the engagement, designating the Riyadh Aramco refinery and the company’s headquarters in Dammam as targets 1. These actions followed a coalition airstrike on the Yemen Petroleum Company's al-Sabaha fuel depot near Sanaa on Tuesday night 1.

Why it matters

The escalation has triggered a broad suspension of international aviation services and heightened risks to energy infrastructure. Air France extended its cancellation of Riyadh services through October 24, while Lufthansa also suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam until that date 3. Cathay Pacific has issued the longest suspension, cancelling passenger flights to Riyadh until January 31, 2027 3. Although King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah remains open, the General Authority of Civil Aviation maintains a temporary suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, forcing passengers to travel by road or divert through Dammam and Madinah 3.

The targeting of the Dhahran complex, which manages global energy supplies, contributed to market volatility. Brent crude futures settled at $105.69 per barrel on October 13, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose to $94.14, its highest finish since late September 5. The Saudi cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stated on October 13 that the Houthi movement would "bear the consequences" of the attacks 1. Regional diplomatic pressure increased as Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates issued formal condemnations of the strikes on civilian and economic facilities 4.

What's next

The suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport is scheduled to remain in effect through October 17 at 21:00 UTC to allow for safety verifications. Several airlines have set specific dates for re-evaluating their service suspensions:

• October 24, 2026: Air France and Lufthansa are scheduled to resume or review their Riyadh and Dammam services 3.
• December 2, 2026: Flyscoot’s suspension of Jeddah services is set to expire 3.
• December 10, 2026: The Federal Aviation Administration’s notice warning U.S. airlines of flight risks in the region remains effective through this date.

A statement from the Saudi Ministry of Energy would confirm the extent of repairs required at the Dhahran administration building. Further U.S. involvement remains conditional; while President Donald Trump stated on October 13 that he "might" ask Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to intervene, he has not confirmed a decision regarding direct U.S. retaliatory strikes 1.

What happened

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree issued a formal evacuation warning on October 13 for employees and civilians near Saudi Aramco facilities and airports 2. The group designated these sites as "legitimate targets" following Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on Houthi-controlled energy infrastructure 2. These coalition strikes targeted the al-Sabah central oil station in Sanaa, oil storage tanks at Ras Isa port, and an oil station in Hodeidah province 2. Saree stated that Houthi forces would deliver a "harsh and painful" reprisal against Riyadh if strikes on Sanaa continued 2.

The Saudi-led coalition intercepted three drones north of Riyadh on October 13 2. This follows a series of qualitative operations claimed by Houthi forces over the previous 24 hours, which included three phases of attacks on King Khalid International Airport using ballistic missiles, wing missiles, and drones 1. A missile strike on the Riyadh airport on Saturday, October 10, killed 13 people and injured over 300, marking the deadliest attack on Saudi soil in more than a decade 1. A subsequent projectile strike on Sunday killed one resident and injured 11 others 2.

In Yemen, Saudi-backed government forces conducted nine airstrikes on Houthi positions in the southwest on October 13 as part of the "Dawn of Yemen" counteroffensive 2. This military push follows the Houthi capture of strategic territory along the Red Sea coastline and the Bab al-Mandab Strait in recent weeks 1. Houthi strikes within Yemen killed at least five civilians and wounded over a dozen in the 24 hours preceding October 13, including an attack on a hospital in Taiz 1.

Why it matters

The escalation has resulted in a complete suspension of air navigation at King Khalid International Airport 1. Major international carriers, including Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, Air India, Delta, and Qatar Airways, have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries 2. The Houthi warning specifically identified the Aramco headquarters in Dammam and a refinery in Riyadh as targets, placing critical energy infrastructure under direct threat of retaliation 2.

Middle East researcher Helen Lackner stated on October 13 that the conflict has returned to a "full-scale civil war" following Houthi territorial gains 1. The humanitarian situation in Taiz has deteriorated, with residents rationing food and essential goods while encircled by Houthi fighters 1. The Yemen Data Project reported that Saudi air raids reached their highest monthly level since 2022 in September, with 250 raids killing at least 66 civilians 1.

The security situation has impacted the Saudi leadership's public profile; Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has not been seen publicly in a week and is reportedly moving between secure bunkers and palaces 1. However, the Saudi cabinet stated on October 13 that the Houthis will face "consequences" for the attacks 2.

What's next

President Donald Trump stated on October 13 that he is weighing whether to join the Saudi-led fight and suggested he might ask Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to intervene in support of Saudi interests 1, 2. Houthi leaders have warned the U.S. of a "swift and painful" response if it joins the counteroffensive 1.

The suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport is scheduled to last through October 17 at 21:00 UTC to allow for safety verifications. Further retaliatory strikes from Houthi forces are expected by observers on the ground following the coalition's targeting of the al-Sabah station 2. The release of Helen Lackner's next book on the conflict is scheduled for 2027 1.

What happened — the development in detail

United Nations Special Envoy Hans Grundberg told the Security Council on Friday, October 9, that Yemen has returned to a state of "full-scale war" 1. This assessment follows the collapse of a 2022 ceasefire and the launch of a new military offensive by Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces 1. On Sunday, October 11, the Yemeni government announced the start of "Operation Dawn of Yemen," a campaign intended to retake all Houthi-held territory, including the capital, Sanaa 1.

Military activity has intensified around the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical maritime chokepoint at the entrance to the Red Sea 1. On Saturday, October 10, government forces reported conducting more than 2,750 precision strikes within a 24-hour period, which they claim "neutralized" more than 1,400 Houthi fighters 1. Colonel Majid al-Nuzaili, spokesperson for the armed forces, stated that ground units breached Houthi defenses and recaptured positions near the southern cities of Mocha and Dhubab 1.

The conflict has expanded into Saudi Arabian territory through Houthi missile and drone operations. Saudi aviation authorities confirmed on Friday, October 9, that Houthi strikes on the international airport in Riyadh killed three Saudi citizens, including a pilot 1. These represent the first fatalities within the kingdom since the resumption of hostilities 1. The United Nations reports that at least 46 civilians have been killed and more than 130 injured across the region since August 1. The UN migration agency (IOM) stated that more than 200,000 people have been displaced since the escalation began in September 1.

Why it matters

The return to full-scale conflict threatens the stability of global energy and trade corridors. The Bab al-Mandeb strait has become a vital alternative for Saudi oil exports because Iranian attacks have nearly halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz 1. While Houthi forces seized the Bab al-Mandeb area in September to establish a blockade against Saudi-linked vessels, both government and Houthi forces currently claim control over these shipping lanes 1.

For commercial aviation, the fatal strikes on Riyadh’s airport on October 9 mark a shift in the safety profile of Saudi hubs, resulting in the first reported deaths of aviation personnel within the kingdom during this period 1. The Houthi movement has utilized sophisticated ballistic missiles and drones to target these facilities, which analysts suggest provides leverage for Iran during negotiations with the United States 1. The humanitarian impact has reached levels not seen since the 2014 civil war, with rights groups expressing concern that the current fighting is the worst in years 1.

What's next

The progression of "Operation Dawn of Yemen" will determine whether government forces can successfully retake Sanaa and secure the Red Sea coast 1. A statement from the Yemeni military would confirm if ground forces maintain their advance toward Houthi-held urban centers following the reported breaches of defense lines on October 10 1.

The status of the Bab al-Mandeb strait remains unsettled as both sides contest the maritime territory 1. Future reports from the UN Security Council or the IOM will clarify if the displacement of civilians, currently exceeding 200,000, continues to accelerate as the offensive moves toward more populated areas 1. The resumption of diplomatic dialogue, urged by Envoy Grundberg on October 9, would be the primary mechanism to halt the current slide into regional instability 1.

What happened

Saudi aviation authorities have shuttered Najran International Airport and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan through 15:00 UTC on October 15, 2026, following Houthi attacks that caused three injuries and material damage on October 5 1. These closures coincide with nightly operational restrictions at Abha International Airport, where all flights are suspended between 15:00 and 03:00 UTC daily 1. The Houthi movement has expanded its targeting to the Eastern Province, where military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed a strike on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam 2. An eyewitness at the Dammam facility reported seeing a projectile strike the tarmac near parked aircraft at approximately 17:30 GMT on Sunday, October 11, resulting in a fire and the subsequent evacuation of the terminal 2.

The escalation follows a mass-casualty event on Saturday, October 10, when a strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and wounded more than 300 2. A subsequent attack on Sunday, October 11, targeted Terminal 4 in Riyadh, killing one resident and injuring 11 others 2. While Saudi air defenses intercepted a cruise missile near Riyadh and a ballistic missile launched toward Khamis Mushait, the Houthi-run foreign ministry stated that "worse is yet to come" unless Saudi military operations in Yemen cease 2. The group claimed to have faced 124 Saudi airstrikes within a 24-hour period as the kingdom attempts to roll back Houthi gains along the Red Sea coast 2.

Why it matters

The systematic targeting of civilian hubs has disrupted the operations of at least 13 regional and international airlines, including Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and flydubai, which hold scheduled services to the now-restricted southern zones 1. The disruption has moved beyond the border regions; Lufthansa Group and several Indian carriers suspended services to Riyadh following the October 8 attacks 1. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a conflict-zone bulletin valid until November 16, 2026, advising operators to avoid southwestern Saudi airspace at all altitudes due to the combined risks of missile strikes, drone activity, and falling debris from interceptions 1.

For passengers and logistics providers, the designation of Saudi airports as a "theatre of operations" by Houthi forces creates significant legal and safety hurdles 2. The British embassy has formally advised against all but essential travel to Jeddah and Dammam, while U.S. aviation authorities have issued caution notices for all flights over the kingdom 2. The fatalities on October 10, which included religious pilgrims preparing for travel to holy sites, underscore the high physical risk to the 60% of Riyadh’s scheduled traffic that remains cancelled or diverted 2.

What's next

The current flight suspensions at Najran and Jazan are scheduled to expire at 15:00 UTC on October 15, 2026, though aviation officials have noted these dates are subject to change based on ongoing safety assessments 1. A formal damage assessment and safety inspection of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam is currently underway to determine when the facility can resume full operations 2.

International military involvement may shift following President Donald Trump’s October 11 statement that the U.S. is considering joining retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets 2. The EASA conflict-zone bulletin will remain the primary regulatory guide for European carriers until its scheduled expiration on November 16, unless a further deterioration in security prompts an earlier revision 1. The resumption of full night operations at Abha International Airport would require a lifting of the current 15:00–03:00 UTC daily restriction 1.

What happened — the development in detail

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice on October 11, 2026, to discourage all but essential travel to Riyadh, Aseer, Najran, and Jizan provinces, as well as the cities of Jeddah, Dammam, and Taif 1. This revision follows a series of Houthi missile and drone strikes on King Khalid International Airport that killed at least 14 people and injured more than 300 during the weekend of October 10–11 1. One fatality occurred during a strike on Sunday, October 11, following a Saturday attack that killed 13 people 1.

The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to every airport in Saudi Arabia with the exception of Medina International Airport 1. Australia’s Smartraveller service issued a similar update on October 12, 2026, instructing travelers not to go to King Khalid International Airport due to security incidents that have disrupted operations 2. The United States maintains a Level 3 "Reconsider travel" advisory, which includes specific restrictions preventing U.S. government employees from using the Riyadh airport 2.

Houthi forces, who resumed direct military conflict with Saudi Arabia in July 2026, have launched missiles and drones at various targets since July 13 1. These attacks have caused visible plumes of smoke and loud explosions in the capital, triggering civil-defense protocols and the temporary suspension of operations by the General Authority of Civil Aviation 2.

Why it matters — the consequences

The designation of major aviation hubs as high-risk zones by the UK, US, and Australia creates significant legal and operational hurdles for international travel and commerce. The FCDO assessment states that further attacks against airports are "very likely," creating a heightened threat environment for ports, military bases, and energy infrastructure in Yanbu, Riyadh, and Jeddah 1.

For British nationals currently in the country, the FCDO suggests departing by land to neighboring states—including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, or Jordan—if they judge the route to be safe 1. This recommendation is subject to strict vehicle ownership requirements, as cars must be wholly owned and registered in the traveler's name to cross land borders 1.

The market for travel to the Riyadh province, which typically attracts business and leisure travelers, faces prolonged disruption as foreign governments warn of sudden airspace closures and diversions occurring with little warning 2. The greatest physical risk to those remaining in the region is identified as falling debris resulting from missile intercepts 1.

What's next — the concrete next events

A formal security clearance from the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation would be required to resume full operations at King Khalid International Airport, where authorities are currently reviewing security procedures and assessing damage 2.

British nationals are instructed to monitor Saudi Civil Defence alerts and sign up for FCDO email updates to track changes in the "theatre of operations" 1. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel within 10km of the Yemen border 1. Future updates to international travel advisories will depend on whether the Houthi movement carries out its public threats to continue targeting infrastructure across the kingdom, excluding Mecca and Medina 2.

What happened — the development in detail, with specifics

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud has moved his operations between bunker-equipped palaces under the protection of a handpicked security team 1. The Crown Prince, who last appeared in public on Tuesday to donate blood, is now shuttling between these fortified locations following a series of Houthi strikes that killed 12 people and injured 309 at Riyadh Airport on October 10 1. A subsequent attack on October 11 resulted in further injuries, occurring as the Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, confirmed it conducted four large-scale operations using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones within a 24-hour window 1.

In response to these breaches, Saudi Arabia has initiated a global search for new air defense systems and formally requested military assistance from Pakistan 1. The kingdom is also attempting to recruit foreign fighters to bolster Yemeni government forces, who launched a major military operation on October 4 to retake territories lost during a Houthi offensive in early August 1. These military efforts coincide with a Houthi maritime blockade announced in July, which has targeted Saudi-owned oil tankers and escalated since the movement seized the port city of Mocha on September 10-11 1. While expanding its military requirements, Riyadh is simultaneously pursuing diplomatic channels to contain a conflict that officials describe as increasingly difficult to manage 1.

Why it matters — the consequences

The shift to bunker-based governance and the urgent request for Pakistani military aid reflect a critical gap in the kingdom's current air defense architecture against multi-vector missile and drone salvos 1. For international aviation and energy markets, the Houthi control of Mocha and key coastal positions along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait places Saudi oil shipments at sustained risk 1. The recruitment of foreign fighters and the search for external air defense systems indicate that the Saudi-led coalition's internal resources are currently insufficient to repel the intensified Houthi "theatre of operations" 1.

The legal and security environment for foreign entities has shifted as the kingdom acknowledges the difficulty of containing the escalation through military means alone, leading to a dual-track strategy of re-armament and diplomacy 1. The safety of the Saudi leadership now depends on a personally selected security detail, moving away from standard protection protocols as the conflict, which has persisted since August 2014, enters a phase of direct strikes on the capital's infrastructure 1.

What's next

A formal response from the Pakistani government would confirm the scale of military aid provided to Riyadh. The arrival of new air defense hardware from international suppliers would settle whether the kingdom can successfully close the gaps in its current missile shield. A statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the progress of diplomatic channels would indicate if a ceasefire is attainable. Continued flight data from Riyadh and Dammam will verify if the requested security measures are sufficient to allow the General Authority of Civil Aviation to lift the current suspension of operations scheduled through October 17.

What happened

United Nations officials informed the Security Council on October 9 that Yemen has returned to a state of full-scale war 1. This assessment followed an intensification of fighting across the country and a series of Houthi attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and Red Sea shipping routes 1. During the 10236th meeting of the Security Council, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mohamed Yahya reported that these hostilities now threaten broader regional stability 1. The briefing occurred one day after the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the United States government issued new restrictive travel directives for Riyadh 5. The Saudi national carrier confirmed that a senior pilot, Captain Hamoud Ali Al-Kalthami, was among those killed during the October 8 strikes on King Khalid International Airport 56.

Why it matters

The return to open conflict has disrupted international diplomatic efforts, leading UN officials to call for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to negotiations 1. The security environment at Saudi aviation hubs has prompted Western governments to implement mandatory safety protocols for personnel 5. The United States now requires specific authorization for its employees to use Riyadh’s primary airport, while the United Kingdom warns against all but essential travel to both Riyadh and Taif International Airport 5. These restrictions follow the first confirmed fatalities of flight crew members within airport boundaries during this conflict 56. The UN warns that the escalation endangers vital humanitarian access and international maritime corridors, as the conflict expands from localized fighting to strikes on regional infrastructure 1.

What's next

A statement from the Saudi Ministry of Transport would confirm if the new Western travel restrictions have impacted total passenger volumes at King Khalid International Airport. The UN Security Council would need to adopt a formal resolution to establish a new ceasefire framework following the October 9 warnings of full-scale war 1. A report from the International Organization for Migration or the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs would determine if humanitarian access has been restored to areas affected by the intensified fighting 1. Further updates from the FCDO or the U.S. State Department would signal whether the current travel warnings for Riyadh and Taif remain in place or have been expanded to other regional hubs 5.