An attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 12 people and injured 309, according to a Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation update. GACA said the victims included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis and one person each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan. Some of those injured were in critical condition and were receiving treatment at several hospitals. The authority also reported property damage. Officials were assessing its extent while coordinating the response with relevant agencies. The casualty figures reflect the update described in the report.
Countries Condemn Attack and Support Saudi Arabia
Several countries condemned the targeting of the airport and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia following the reported deaths and injuries. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the attack, offered condolences to the victims’ families and supported Saudi measures to protect its sovereignty and the safety of citizens and residents.
Egypt also condemned the strike, describing it as a violation of international law and a threat to civilian safety. Qatar attributed the attack to the Houthis and said it threatened Saudi sovereignty, regional security and civil aviation. That attribution should be understood as Qatar’s stated position in the supplied report.
Airport Closure Triggers Flight Disruptions
Airport operations were temporarily suspended after Saturday’s attack as authorities assessed damage and carried out safety inspections, according to the report. The disruption prompted airlines to cancel or suspend services.
Akasa Air reportedly extended its suspension of flights to and from Riyadh until October 13. Kuwait Airways cancelled its Riyadh services on Saturday because of the airport closure.
The report also cited GACA as saying that earlier attacks involving King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport on October 6 and 7 had caused three deaths and 36 injuries. These earlier casualty figures are separate from those reported following the October 10 attack.
Travel Advisories Warn of Airport Security Risks
The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Germany and Spain issued travel guidance amid the security concerns, according to the supplied article. The US Embassy advised American citizens to avoid King Khalid International Airport and nearby areas, warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other disruptions. The British Foreign Office similarly advised British nationals to avoid the airport until it was secure and follow Saudi authorities’ guidance.
Passengers with Riyadh bookings should check their airline’s latest flight status and official airport notices before travelling. The report described a temporary suspension; it did not provide a confirmed timetable for the full restoration of airport operations.
