Riyadh:King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh temporarily halted its operations on Saturday after an attack resulted in injuries, as reported by Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority.
According to Anadolu Agency, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that the attack occurred on Saturday afternoon. The exact number of injured individuals is still being determined, and the airport's operations were suspended to assess damage and ensure safety in collaboration with relevant agencies.
The GACA has indicated that additional updates will be provided at a later time. The statement did not include details on who was responsible for the attack or the nature of the weapons used.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry has advised citizens affected by flight suspensions or delays to contact Saudi diplomatic missions in their current locations for assistance and guidance. A Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) indicated that the airport would be closed from 1627 GMT to 2100 GMT on Saturday as a precautionary measure.
Both the US and UK embassies in Saudi Arabia have warned their citizens to avoid the airport due to potential security threats and travel disruptions. Passengers have been advised to check with airlines for flight status updates.
Kuwait Airways announced the cancellation of flights KU775 and KU776 between Kuwait and Riyadh, citing the security situation as the reason for the airport's closure. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through the airline's official channels.
This incident occurs amid ongoing concerns about aviation security after a series of attacks by Houthi forces targeting Saudi airports and facilities. Recent attacks have resulted in casualties and damage to infrastructure, although operations have since resumed. The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2014, continues to impact the region, with the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's recognized government against Houthi forces.