Riyadh airport suspends operations after attack injures several people
In short
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh temporarily suspended operations after an October 10 attack that injured several people, RBC reported, citing Saudi Arabia's aviation authority. Authorities confirmed the attack but did not identify who carried it out, Kommersant reported.
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Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation said King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh temporarily suspended operations after an attack on October 10 that injured several people, RBC reported, citing the authority's statement on X. Kommersant also reported the suspension and said authorities confirmed the attack without identifying who had carried it out. [ 18 , 20 ]
Earlier reports described an explosion at or near the airport. Kommersant cited Reuters and AFP witnesses who said an evacuation had begun, while TASS reported that witnesses had told AFP passengers and staff were being evacuated. Kuwait Airways cancelled flights to Riyadh, RIA Novosti reported. TASS said the airport was expected to remain closed until the end of the day. [ 9 , 10 , 15 , 19 ]
Why it matters
Reports described the evacuation of passengers and staff after an explosion. Kuwait Airways cancelled flights to Riyadh, and TASS reported that the airport was expected to remain closed until the end of the day.
Key facts
- Saudi Arabia's aviation authority said the airport temporarily suspended operations after the October 10 attack. [ 18 ]
- Several people were injured, RBC reported, citing the aviation authority. [ 18 ]
- Witnesses reported evacuations after an explosion. [ 9 , 10 ]
- Kuwait Airways cancelled flights to Riyadh. [ 15 ]
- Authorities did not identify who carried out the attack, Kommersant reported. [ 20 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The attacker was not identified in the latest official account. Kommersant said authorities confirmed an attack but did not specify who carried it out.
- The reopening time remained provisional. TASS said closure was expected to last until the end of the day.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- RIA Novosti reported an explosion at Riyadh airport on October 10. [ 8 ]
- TASS reported that the airport had temporarily suspended operations. [ 13 ]
- RBC reported the aviation authority's statement on the attack and injuries. [ 18 ]
- TASS reported that closure was expected to last until the end of the day. [ 19 ]