Multiple People Wounded in Attack on Riyadh Airport
Qwenews.com – Multiple people wounded in attack on Riyadh airport were reported after an incident struck King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, prompting the suspension of operations at Saudi Arabia’s main airport in the capital. The disruption added to concerns about aviation safety and critical infrastructure as attacks linked to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement intensified.
Saudi authorities did not immediately identify who carried out the latest attack. It came after two earlier strikes on the airport during the same week, which killed four people and increased pressure on Saudi air-defense systems.
Saudi Arabia’s early-warning system did not issue an alert before the incident. The government’s media office did not immediately respond to questions about the attack.
Terminal Damage and Emergency Response
A person at the airport said they heard an explosion and then saw several injured people on the ground inside the facility. More than a dozen ambulances were seen traveling toward the airport as emergency teams responded.
An injured traveler said an object moved across the sky outside the airport shortly before part of a ceiling near a departure gate collapsed. The account indicated that damage affected the terminal area as passengers and staff dealt with the aftermath.
King Khalid International Airport is a key gateway for Riyadh, serving domestic and international routes. Its closure affected passengers, airlines and businesses in the Saudi capital, which was preparing for major energy and investment gatherings.
Flights Canceled and Diverted
Flight-tracking information showed incoming flights to Riyadh being canceled or redirected after the attack. At one point, a helicopter was the only aircraft visible above the airport.
Kuwait Airways canceled flights to and from Riyadh because of the airport closure. Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways had already canceled several services between their hubs and Riyadh, with some disruption expected to continue into Monday.
The latest interruption followed a week of aviation disruption in the Saudi capital. Multiple carriers had halted or canceled flights after earlier attacks, leaving travelers facing uncertainty over connections and onward journeys.
The US Embassy in Riyadh said it was aware of the attacks and urged US citizens to avoid the airport and nearby areas. The British and Irish embassies said they were aware of a serious incident, while the Canadian embassy said continuing military activity had affected airport operations.
Regional Tensions and Dammam Incident
US President Donald Trump said the United States would review the situation when asked whether it could participate in Saudi strikes against the Houthis. His comments highlighted the broader regional consequences of the violence.
“We may. We’re going to look at it. We just found out about the recent attack, so we’ll make a decision. We move very quickly,” he said.
On Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition said a projectile had landed near King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in the Eastern Region. Dammam has become more important as an alternative airport during repeated disruptions in Riyadh.
The Houthis have told commercial airlines to avoid Saudi airspace, describing it as a military operations zone. Their statement followed an offensive launched earlier in the month by Yemen’s Saudi-backed government.
Riyadh Airport Attack FAQ
What should travelers do if they are flying through Riyadh?
Travelers should check directly with their airline before heading to King Khalid International Airport, as flights may be canceled, delayed or diverted. Those already booked on disrupted services should follow airline instructions on rebooking and alternative travel arrangements.
Are flights to Riyadh operating normally?
Airport operations were suspended after multiple people were wounded in attack on Riyadh airport, and several airlines canceled or redirected flights. Conditions can change quickly, so passengers should rely on current airline notifications.
Is Dammam an alternative for travelers?
King Fahd International Airport in Dammam has taken on a larger role as an alternative point of entry during disruptions in Riyadh. However, travelers should confirm routes and airport status with their airline because security conditions may also affect services there.
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