Three Saudi Citizens Killed and Several Others Injured in Two Attacks on the Airport.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed on Friday that a Saudia aircraft sustained damage following two attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday.
According to GACA, the first attack struck airport facilities, while the second targeted an aircraft operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines, commonly known as Saudia.
Emergency response teams and concerned authorities acted swiftly to manage the situation, following established safety protocols and approved emergency response plans.
The attacks claimed the lives of three Saudi nationals and left several Saudi citizens and expatriates of various nationalities injured, with injuries ranging from mild to severe.
The injured were transported to hospitals for medical care. The aviation authority also confirmed that the incidents resulted in property damage.
The incidents occurred amid an escalation of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia, including a reported ballistic missile strike targeting Riyadh airport.
Flight Operations Suspended
Air travel to Saudi Arabia’s capital has faced significant disruptions following the attacks, with major international carriers, including Lufthansa and Air India, announcing the suspension of flights to Riyadh.
Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium indicated that nearly half of the scheduled departures from King Khalid International Airport had been cancelled by 1500 GMT on Thursday. An additional 31 flight cancellations were anticipated across Saudi Arabian airports on Friday.
The disruption comes after Saudi authorities reported on Wednesday that three people had lost their lives earlier in the week in strikes targeting Riyadh airport and Abha airport in the kingdom’s southwestern region.
Airspace Disruptions and Heightened Security
Yemen’s Houthi movement has intensified its attacks against Saudi Arabia, aiming to disrupt the kingdom’s airspace. The group has also warned employees to avoid energy installations, identifying them as potential targets.
In a separate incident, Saudi officials reported that fragments from an intercepted missile fell onto a kindergarten and a medical facility in Riyadh.
The Houthis have stated that their attacks against Saudi Arabia are a response to the kingdom’s backing of government forces amid renewed fighting in Yemen’s civil war.
Meanwhile, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed that it remains in close coordination with relevant security agencies to evaluate the damage and implement necessary precautions to safeguard passengers, airport personnel, and the country’s civil aviation infrastructure.
The authority added that efforts are ongoing to resume regular airport operations and restore normal air traffic as quickly and safely as possible.
