Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, confirmed on Friday, October 9, that one of its pilots was killed in attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Thursday.
The deceased pilot was identified as Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami. The airline also reported damage to one of its aircraft while it was on the ground at the airport. No passengers were on board at the time of the incident.
Saudia said it activated its emergency response procedures to manage the situation, assess the condition of those affected and provide the necessary care and support.
In a statement paying tribute to the pilot, the airline expressed condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, acknowledging his service and contributions to the company.
Three Saudis Killed in Attacks
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said three Saudi citizens were killed and several others injured in two attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a Saudia aircraft.
According to the authority, the first attack targeted airport facilities, while the second struck the aircraft. The statement did not identify those responsible, although the Houthis claimed to have targeted the airport with a ballistic missile.
The attacks came amid an escalation in hostilities involving Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi movement in neighbouring Yemen.
The aviation authority also reported injuries among Saudi citizens and residents of different nationalities, with the severity ranging from minor to serious.
Despite the incidents, the authority indicated that airport operations had returned to normal.
The attacks follow other security incidents at the airport, including the reported death of a Sudanese national earlier in the week.
