A Saudia Airlines pilot was killed in attacks targeting Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, leaving three Saudi citizens dead and several others injured, according to Saudi authorities.
Webdesk: Zunaira Fatima
A Saudia Airlines pilot was among three Saudi citizens killed in attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, October 8, according to the kingdom’s civil aviation authority.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed on Friday that two separate attacks targeted the airport and an aircraft belonging to the country’s national carrier. Several other people, including citizens and residents of different nationalities, were also injured.
Saudia Airlines confirmed the death of Captain Hamoud Ali Al-Kalthami, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of its employee. The airline also reported damage to one of its aircraft during the incident. According to officials, the aircraft was on the ground and had no passengers aboard when it was damaged.
The civil aviation authority stated that the first attack targeted airport facilities, while the second struck a Saudia Airlines aircraft. The attacks caused material damage and resulted in casualties. Injured individuals were transported to hospitals for medical treatment.
Emergency response teams and relevant authorities responded immediately after the incidents. Officials said security agencies were coordinating their efforts to assess the damage and ensure the safety of passengers, airport employees and other people at the facility.
Saudi authorities also confirmed that airport operations resumed following the attacks, with air traffic returning to normal later on Thursday. However, the incident raised concerns about aviation security and the potential impact of escalating regional tensions on civilian infrastructure and international travel.
Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for attacks involving missiles targeting Saudi locations, according to international media reports. The attacks came amid renewed regional tensions and conflict involving the Iran-aligned group.
The incident marks a serious escalation in the security situation affecting Saudi Arabia. Attacks on major airports and civilian aviation facilities pose risks to passengers, airline employees and essential transport operations.
Saudi authorities have continued to assess the consequences of the attacks and coordinate security measures. The deaths of three Saudi citizens, including the Saudia Airlines pilot, have highlighted the human cost of the growing regional conflict.
