Saudi pilot among three killed in Riyadh airport attacks

Three Saudi nationals, including a pilot of the national airline Saudia, were killed in two attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi authorities said on Friday. Several other people were injured, while airport facilities and an aircraft sustained damage.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation said the attacks took place on Thursday. According to its statement, the first strike targeted airport facilities, while the second hit an aircraft operated by Saudia. The injuries ranged from minor to severe.

Authorities said airport operations had resumed and air traffic had returned to normal following the incidents.

Saudia Airlines separately confirmed the death of Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, expressing deep sorrow over his passing. The airline also reported damage to an aircraft at Riyadh airport.

The Yemen-based Houthi group claimed responsibility for an attack on the airport, saying it had launched two cruise missiles. The group also claimed to have targeted an airport in Najran and an airbase in Khamis Mushait using ballistic missiles. Saudi authorities have not confirmed all the reported targets.

The Houthis say their attacks are linked to Saudi Arabia’s support for government forces in Yemen, where fighting has intensified. Riyadh has backed Yemen’s internationally recognised government in its efforts to regain territory controlled by the group.

The latest casualties follow earlier strikes on Riyadh and Abha airports that Saudi authorities said killed three people on Wednesday. Videos verified by Reuters showed thick black smoke rising from Riyadh airport after a commercial aircraft caught fire. The fire was later extinguished.

The attacks have also raised security concerns among businesses and diplomatic missions in the Saudi capital. Several multinational companies in the King Abdullah Financial District reportedly instructed employees to work remotely or evacuated their offices. Diplomats were advised to remain inside their embassies, while at least one international school moved children to a basement for safety.

The deteriorating security situation has disrupted international air travel. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) temporarily suspended its flights to Riyadh, citing developments in the Middle East.

Other carriers have also halted services to the Saudi capital. Lufthansa Group announced that its airlines would suspend Riyadh flights until October 16. India’s IndiGo cancelled flights to and from the city until October 9, while Air India and Akasa Air suspended their services until October 10.