Three Saudi nationals have reportedly lost their lives following attacks targeting Riyadh airport, including a captain employed by Saudia Airlines. The incident has raised concerns over aviation safety, while further information about the circumstances surrounding the attacks remains limited.
Riyadh Airport Attacks Claim Three Saudi Lives, Including a Saudia Airlines Captain.
Three Saudi Nationals Killed in Riyadh Airport Attacks, Including Saudia Captain
Three Saudi Arabian nationals were killed in attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 8, according to the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The incident affected airport facilities and an aircraft belonging to Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, and also left several people injured.
Among those who lost their lives was Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, an employee of Saudia. The airline confirmed his death and paid tribute to his service, expressing its sympathy and condolences to his family.
In its statement, Saudia acknowledged Captain Alkalthami’s professional contributions during his career with the national carrier. The airline also recognised the positive impact he had on his colleagues and extended its heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones during this difficult time.
Injuries and Damage Reported at Riyadh Airport
According to GACA, the attacks resulted in injuries to several Saudi citizens and residents of different nationalities. The reported injuries ranged from minor to serious, while the airport also sustained material damage.
Emergency response teams were deployed immediately after the incident to assist those affected and manage the situation. The injured were transported to hospitals for medical treatment, the aviation authority said.
Authorities activated emergency procedures to respond to the incident, provide assistance to those requiring medical attention and assess the damage caused to airport infrastructure and aircraft.
The attack also affected an aircraft operated by Saudia that was on the ground at King Khalid International Airport. The airline confirmed that the aircraft had sustained damage but said there were no passengers aboard at the time.
Saudia Resumes Normal Operations in Riyadh
Despite the disruption caused by the incident, Saudia announced that its flights and operations at King Khalid International Airport had returned to normal by 6pm on October 8.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation separately confirmed that airport activities had resumed and air traffic was operating normally again.
The restoration of services followed the emergency response and measures taken to address the situation. However, the incident highlighted the disruption and safety challenges that attacks on major aviation facilities can create.
Airline Activates Emergency Response Measures
Saudia said its emergency response procedures were put into action following the incident. These measures were intended to manage the situation, monitor the condition of affected individuals and ensure that the necessary assistance was provided.
The airline also emphasised the importance of supporting those affected and their families during the aftermath of the attack.
While airport operations have resumed, the incident resulted in fatalities, injuries and damage to aviation infrastructure. Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami was among the victims identified following the attack, prompting condolences from Saudia in recognition of his service to the national carrier.
The information released by GACA and Saudia confirmed the loss of three Saudi nationals, injuries among other individuals and damage to an aircraft at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 8.
