Riyadh: A Pakistani resident was killed and 11 people were injured in a fresh attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Sunday, October 11, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said on Monday.
In a follow-up statement, GACA said the injured were shifted to several hospitals for treatment. The attack also caused property damage, the extent of which was still being assessed.
According to the Saudi-led coalition, an unidentified projectile struck Passenger Hall No. 4, triggering a fire. Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki also said air defences intercepted and destroyed a loitering cruise missile near the airport.
Earlier Attack Killed 12 People
The latest incident came a day after a missile attack on the airport on Saturday, October 10, reportedly killed 12 people and injured more than 300, according to the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthi group.
An Indian national from Hyderabad and a Bangladeshi national later died from injuries sustained in Saturday’s attack, taking the reported death toll from that incident to 14. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed the death of the Hyderabad resident.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strikes preceding Sunday’s incident, according to the report.
Riyadh Airport Closure Extended
GACA announced on Monday that the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport had been extended to allow authorities to complete safety inspections and verify the readiness of airport facilities.
The authority said the checks were being conducted in coordination with relevant agencies. However, it did not announce a date for the resumption of airport operations.
Series of Attacks Raises Security Concerns
Riyadh airport has reportedly been struck four times in five days. Attacks on Thursday, October 8, killed at least three Saudi citizens, including a pilot, according to GACA.
The airport has remained closed since Saturday’s attack. The incidents come amid an escalating regional conflict involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and review security conditions before deciding when airport operations can resume.
