Two attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, claimed by the Houthi movement of Yemen, on Thursday, resulted in the deaths of three Saudi citizens, including a pilot from Saudi Airlines, and injured several others. These attacks caused damage to airport facilities and a grounded aircraft belonging to Saudi Airlines.
Details of the Attacks and Casualties
The attacks occurred in two phases. The first attack targeted airport facilities, and the second attack targeted a stationary aircraft belonging to Saudi Airlines, named "Saudi." According to a statement released on Friday by the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia, these attacks resulted in financial damages and various injuries to Saudi citizens and residents of different nationalities. The injuries ranged from mild to severe, and the injured were transferred to hospitals.
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Saudi Airlines identified one of the victims as Captain Hamoud Ali Al-Quthami. The airline also confirmed that one of its aircraft was grounded at the time of the attack and had no passengers on board.
Claim of Responsibility and Consequences
The Houthi movement claimed responsibility for these attacks, and the group's spokesman, Yahya Saree, announced on social media platform X that two cruise missiles were fired at King Khalid International Airport. He also stated that Houthi forces targeted Najran Airport and an airbase in Khamis Mushait with ballistic missiles, resulting in damage and disruption of air traffic at both airports.
These attacks caused disruptions to international flights heading to the Saudi capital. Qatar Airways also announced on Friday that several flights between Doha and Riyadh on October 9 and 10 were canceled for operational reasons. This announcement came after flight QR1164 of the airline returned to Doha after departing for Riyadh.
Although Qatar Airways did not link the flight cancellations to the aforementioned attacks, it emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew is the airline's top priority.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia announced that emergency teams quickly responded to the attack sites, and officials continue to assess damages and conduct safety inspections. The authority also confirmed that operations at King Khalid International Airport have resumed and air traffic has returned to normal.
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