Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority has confirmed that three Saudi citizens were killed, including a pilot of its national airline, in the attacks targeting Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.
Several other people of different nationalities were also wounded in the attack.
The attack on Thursday was the deadliest in Saudi Arabia since the kingdom and its allied forces launched an military offensive against Iran back Houthi’s in Yemen.
The pilot was identified as Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami in an obituary published on Friday.
“It is with profound sadness that Saudia announces the passing of Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami, who lost his life on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in the incident at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh,” the airline said.
Saudi paid tribute to the airline's captain and recognised his contribution to the national flag carrier,
According to the Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) the first attack targeted the airport facilities, while the second targeted a Saudia aircraft
Saudia confirmed that one of its aircraft sustained damage while on the ground at the airport. The Aircraft had no passengers on board at the time.
Saudi authorities are assessing the damage and implementing measures to ensure the safety of passengers.
