Saudia pilot Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami was among the three Saudi citizens killed in Thursday’s two attacks on the airport, which also injured several people. The first attack targeted airport facilities and the second a parked Saudia aircraft. The airline confirmed damage to the plane and said no passengers were aboard. Lufthansa’s Riyadh suspension runs through October 16, while Air India canceled flights through October 10.
The Saudi-led coalition said Friday it destroyed three Houthi missile launchers and pledged a firm response to attacks on civilians and civilian facilities. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the airport attacks, saying, “Attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable.” Britain advised against all but essential travel to Riyadh and several other Saudi regions, while US government employees now need special authorization to use King Khalid airport.