Riyadh:A series of attacks on Saudi airports has disrupted air travel and led to heightened security warnings, with fresh strikes reported in Riyadh and Dammam.
According to Anadolu Agency, ten attacks targeted five airports between October 5 and 11, resulting in 20 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh experienced five attacks, while King Fahd International Airport in Dammam faced two. Additional attacks were reported at airports in Abha, Jazan, and Najran.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed that Sunday's attack on King Khalid International Airport resulted in the death of a Pakistani resident and injuries to 11 individuals. Material damage from the attack is still being assessed. Earlier, an unidentified projectile caused a fire at the airport's Terminal 4, and a cruise missile was intercepted nearby. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam also reported an attack, with ongoing damage assessments.
On Saturday, an attack on King Khalid International Airport resulted in 13 deaths and 309 injuries. Initially, 12 fatalities were reported, including citizens from Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the US, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. The Indian Embassy later confirmed an additional death. The Saudi-led coalition attributed the attack to Yemen's Houthi group and promised a strong response.
Operations at Riyadh's airport were temporarily suspended for safety inspections, and the Saudi Foreign Ministry advised citizens abroad to contact diplomatic missions if their flights were affected. Airlines including Etihad Airways and SriLankan Airlines have canceled or suspended flights to Saudi cities due to the situation.
In response to the attacks, schools in Riyadh have shifted to online learning for a week. Several foreign governments have updated travel advisories, urging citizens to exercise caution and reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has advised airlines to avoid certain areas of Saudi airspace due to the risks posed by the ongoing conflict.