Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh after it was targeted in an attack on Saturday afternoon, October 10, the General Authority of Civil Aviation said. The authority reported injuries but said it was still determining the number of people affected.
GACA said the suspension would allow authorities to assess damage at the airport and confirm that its facilities are safe, working with the relevant agencies. It said further information would be announced later.
Earlier on Saturday, witnesses told AFP and Reuters that passengers were being evacuated from Riyadh's international airport. At that point, Saudi authorities had not confirmed either a new attack or an evacuation, according to media reports.
King Khalid International Airport also urged passengers to check directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport. In a statement posted on its official X account, the airport said: “Please contact your airline directly and confirm your flight status before heading to the airport.”
Attacks disrupt Saudi air travel
The incident follows several days of attacks on Saudi aviation facilities, which have disrupted flights and led to security warnings and international condemnation.
Strikes reported at King Khalid International Airport and Abha airport have resulted in civilian casualties, injuries and material damage. Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for several of the attacks, while the Saudi-led military coalition has said it would retaliate.
On Thursday, October 8, attacks on King Khalid International Airport killed three Saudi citizens and injured several others, according to reports. Saudia captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami was among those killed. A Saudia aircraft parked at the airport was damaged, although no passengers were aboard at the time.
Airlines cancel regional services
Several airlines have cancelled flights to Saudi Arabia amid the continuing disruptions.
Etihad Airways cancelled eight Abu Dhabi-Riyadh flights scheduled for October 9 and 10. The cancellations included three round trips, or six flights, between Zayed International Airport and Riyadh on October 9, followed by two further services on October 10. The airline said conditions remained dynamic and that further timetable changes were possible.
flydubai cancelled its Riyadh and Yanbu flights through October 10, while flights to Abha were cancelled through October 11. The Dubai-based carrier said it was monitoring developments and coordinating with relevant authorities.
Qatar Airways cancelled additional Doha-Riyadh services in both directions on October 11 after earlier disruptions on October 9 and 10. The airline advised passengers to consult its website or mobile app for updated flight information, saying the safety of passengers and crew remained its priority.
Comments
Log in to write a comment