Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigration has denounced the strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, expressing full solidarity with Saudi Arabia. The attacks, which targeted the facility and a Saudia Airlines aircraft, resulted in the deaths of three Saudi citizens and injured several civilians. Egypt emphasized its total rejection of the attacks as a flagrant violation of international law.
The Egyptian statement coincided with reports of a fresh explosion at King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, forcing its evacuation and grounding flights. A loud blast was heard, and more than a dozen ambulances were seen rushing to the airport, according to eyewitnesses. Casualty figures from Saturday's incident remain unconfirmed, and Saudi authorities have not publicly commented on the blast.
The explosion follows claims by Yemen's Houthi rebels days earlier regarding two successful attacks on the hub. The airport instructed passengers to check flight statuses with their airlines prior to travelling, without providing an explanation for the directive. Arrivals at King Khalid International Airport were cancelled or delayed across the board on Saturday afternoon.
Regional carriers suspended service to the hub due to security concerns. Kuwait Airways cancelled all flights to and from Riyadh, citing the airport's closure over the "security situation". Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways also cancelled multiple flights between their respective hubs and Riyadh, with some cancellations extending into Monday.
One passenger reported that his flight to Riyadh was diverted to Dammam, forcing him to complete his journey to the capital by taxi. The incident highlights the impact of the attacks on air travel in the region. Egypt's condemnation of the attacks emphasizes the country's commitment to regional stability.
Egypt warned that targeting air navigation undermines regional and international stability, while offering condolences to the Saudi government and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. The Egyptian government expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia in all measures taken to preserve its security, sovereignty, and citizen safety.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of air travel in the region, with several countries taking precautions to ensure the safety of their citizens. The Egyptian government's strong condemnation of the attacks reflects the country's commitment to maintaining regional stability and security.
Key points
- Egypt condemns attacks on Riyadh airport as a flagrant violation of international law.
- A fresh explosion at King Khalid International Airport forced its evacuation and grounded flights.
- Regional carriers suspended service to Riyadh due to security concerns.
