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The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced on Saturday the temporary suspension of operational activities at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, following an attack targeting the airport, noting that a number of damages are currently being assessed.
In a statement, the Authority said that the suspension of operations will remain in effect until the situation is fully assessed and safety is verified, in coordination with the relevant authorities at the airport.
It added that it will announce subsequent procedures after the assessment is completed.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh witnessed an explosion on Saturday, followed by the evacuation of the airport and the temporary suspension of its operations. A medical source told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that dozens of people were injured, at least five of whom are in intensive care, and some of the wounded were transported to the hospital by helicopter. Kuwait Airways also canceled its flights to and from Riyadh due to the airport's closure.
An informed diplomatic source told AFP that a missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen struck the airport. Saudi authorities have not issued an official confirmation regarding the circumstances of the incident, and the Houthis have not claimed responsibility for attacks on the Kingdom on Saturday.
The incident comes after attacks targeting Saudi airports during the week, as the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the death of three people in two attacks that targeted King Khalid Airport on Thursday, following the death of three others in attacks that affected the airport and Abha Airport on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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