Home · World · Oct 9 archive
Saudia Pilot Killed in Riyadh Airport Attack
Confirmed
In Short: Saudia Airlines pilot Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami was killed in an attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Saudia Airlines identified the pilot as Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami, who was killed during an attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, October 8, 2026, according to Arabnews (Saudi Arabia) and Newswire (Sri Lanka).
Arabnews (Saudi Arabia) reported that Saudia’s flights and operations at the airport returned to normal by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, while Newswire (Sri Lanka) noted that the airport had resumed operations.
According to Arabnews (Saudi Arabia), the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) stated that the attacks involved two ballistic missiles, one targeting airport facilities and the other a Saudia aircraft. Newswire (Sri Lanka) and The Times of Israel (Israel) reported that Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Aerotime and Gulf News reported that 169 of the airport’s 378 scheduled departures were canceled or did not operate on the day of the attack, while several international carriers suspended services to Riyadh.
The Killeen Daily Herald and WRAL reported that hundreds of flights to and from Riyadh were canceled, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware.
Saudi aviation authorities said three Saudi citizens, including a pilot, were killed and several others were wounded in the attacks, as reported by Arabnews (Saudi Arabia) and The Times of Israel (Israel).
The Oman Observer (Oman) and WRAL noted that the Indian Embassy later said Air India had suspended operations through Saturday, while the Lufthansa Group said its airlines would suspend flights to Riyadh through October 16.
Aerospace Global News reported that debris from an intercepted missile damaged a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex in Riyadh, while The Guardian noted that the attack was the deadliest in the kingdom since it launched a major military offensive with allies against the Houthis in Yemen.
The attacks follow earlier strikes on Riyadh and Abha airports on October 6 and 7, 2026, which Saudi aviation authorities said killed three people and injured 36, as reported by Gulf News and The Siasat Daily.
Saudia Airlines expressed condolences to Captain Al-Kalthami's family, loved ones, and colleagues, recognizing his contributions throughout his career with the national flag carrier, according to Gulf News.
The airline also said one of its aircraft was damaged while on the ground at the airport, with no passengers on board, as reported by Gulf News.
Saudia Airlines said emergency procedures had been activated in coordination with the relevant authorities to monitor those affected and provide care and support to them and their families, as reported by Kuwait Times.
Background
Saudia Airlines pilot Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami was killed in an attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
What's confirmed
- The airline identified the pilot as Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami.
- According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, 169 of the airport’s 378 scheduled departures were canceled or did not operate that day, while several international carriers suspended services to the Saudi capital.
- The announcement follows reports by Reuters that a Saudia aircraft had sustained extensive damage and caught fire while parked at an airport terminal.
- The Saudi-led coalition noted that it had intercepted two ballistic missiles over Riyadh.
- “Saudia’s flights and operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh returned to normal as of 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The airline continues to monitor flight schedules and communicate with passengers through its official channels,” the airline meanwhile said.
- Saudia said Captain Al-Kalthami lost his life on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in the incident at the airport.
- The airline also said one of its aircraft was damaged while on the ground at the airport, adding that there were no passengers on board the aircraft.
- The authority said one attack targeted airport facilities, while another struck a Saudia aircraft.
- Published: 12:52 PM, Oct 09, 2026 SHARE Riyadh: A Saudia Airlines pilot was killed and an aircraft was damaged in Riyadh airport on Thursday, the company said on Friday, following strikes targeting the facility that were claimed by Yemen's Houthis.
- "It is with profound sadness that Saudia announces the passing of Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami," the Saudi flag-carrier said in a statement, citing an "incident" at King Khalid International Airport.
- The Saudi statements said activities at the airport in Riyadh have returned to normal, but some airlines have suspended flights there.
- Saudi aviation authorities say three Saudi citizens including a pilot were killed and several other people wounded in two attacks Thursday that were claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
What's still developing
- “The Authority affirms the ongoing work – in integration and continuous coordination with relevant security agencies – to assess damages and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and workers, and to maintain the security and safety of the civil aviation system in the Kingdom, noting the resumption of operational processes at the airport and the return of air traffic to normal,” GACA said.
- Separately, Saudia has confirmed that a captain working for the airline had passed away following the attacks.