The death toll from Saturday’s attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh rose to 13 after an Indian national died from his injuries on Sunday, October 11. A fresh strike on the airport the same day caused further injuries, while flight disruptions affected travel between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities initially reported 12 deaths and 309 injuries following Saturday’s attack. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia later confirmed the death of an Indian national who had been injured in the strike.
The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthi rebels reported that a projectile struck a passenger terminal during Sunday’s attack, causing a fire. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed further injuries but did not disclose the number of people affected.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia subsequently reported cancellations and schedule changes on several routes, leaving passengers facing delays and uncertainty.
Riyadh Airport Attack: Death Toll and Injuries
The initial death toll included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals and one person each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan. The death of an Indian national on Sunday raised the reported toll to 13.
The Indian Embassy confirmed that 11 Indian nationals had been injured in the attack. Following the death of one of them, three remained in intensive care in stable condition, two were receiving treatment in general wards, and the others had been discharged.
Other foreign nationals were also among the injured. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that six Pakistani citizens had been hurt, while Philippine authorities reported three injured Filipinos, including two receiving intensive care. Reports also identified an Omani doctor among those injured.
Umrah pilgrims travelling to Makkah and other travellers were reportedly among those affected.
Flight Attendant and Syrian Mother Among the Victims
Azza Ramzi Mohamed Hassan, a 28-year-old flight attendant employed by Saudi airline flynas, was among those killed, according to Egyptian media reports.
Another victim was identified as Buthaina Ahmad Oweida, a Syrian widow and mother of four. According to reports, she was returning from a visit to her sister in Riyadh when she was killed.
Authorities and media outlets have continued to identify victims as information about the attack emerges.
UAE Condemns Attacks on Saudi Arabia
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks on King Khalid International Airport, describing them as violations of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and threats to its security and stability.
The Saudi-led coalition also condemned the strikes, blaming Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement. The coalition described the attack as a serious violation of international humanitarian law and pledged a response.
The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of civilian infrastructure and the potential for further regional escalation.
UAE Airlines Cancel Flights to Saudi Arabia
The attacks and subsequent airport security measures disrupted flights between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Airlines issued separate advisories covering cancellations and schedule changes, with the affected routes and dates varying by carrier.
Emirates
Emirates reported cancellations affecting services between Dubai and Saudi Arabia on October 11, with some disruptions extending into October 12. Passengers were advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways extended cancellations affecting services between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. Its advisory listed disruptions extending into October 13.
flydubai
flydubai reported cancellations affecting services between Dubai and destinations including Riyadh and Abha. Passengers were advised to verify their individual bookings for the latest updates.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia reported cancellations and schedule changes affecting flights from Sharjah to Saudi Arabia and other destinations. The affected routes included Riyadh, Abha, Dammam, Gassim, Tabuk, Jizan and Taif.
Flight schedules may change as security assessments continue. Passengers should check directly with their airline rather than rely solely on previously published cancellation dates.
What Travellers Should Do
Passengers travelling between the UAE and Saudi Arabia should take the following precautions:
- Check flight status: Confirm departure information with the airline before leaving for the airport.
- Review rebooking options: Contact the airline or travel agent about alternative flights, refunds,s or changes if a service has been cancelled.
- Confirm connections: Check onward flights and connecting travel arrangements.
- Follow official updates: Monitor airline announcements and airport notices for schedule changes.
- Seek consular assistance: Contact the relevant diplomatic mission if stranded travellers require assistance.
The rising death toll and renewed attack have intensified concerns over regional security, while the disruption to airport operations continues to affect travel between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
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Missile strike on Riyadh airport leaves 13 dead and 309 injured
Source: Gulf News
