The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation announced on Monday that it will extend the suspension of operational activities at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This decision was made to complete the necessary procedures to verify the safety of airport facilities and ensure their operational readiness, in coordination with relevant authorities. The move aims to guarantee the highest safety standards for passengers and airport operations.
The extension of the suspension comes after the airport was subjected to two attacks on Sunday. The Saudi air defense successfully destroyed a cruise missile after intercepting it in the airport's vicinity. Additionally, the airport's Terminal 4 was hit by an unknown projectile, according to Coalition forces spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki. These incidents raised concerns about the airport's security and prompted the authorities to take precautionary measures.
On Sunday, the General Authority of Civil Aviation reported that a previous attack on the airport in Riyadh resulted in 12 fatalities and 309 injuries. The victims included four Saudi citizens and seven residents of different nationalities: Egyptian, Bangladeshi, American, Argentine, Syrian, Palestinian, and Sudanese. The injured were taken to several hospitals for medical care, with some receiving critical treatment in intensive care units.
The safety of airport facilities and operations is of utmost importance, and the authorities are working diligently to verify and ensure the readiness of all systems. The cooperation between the General Authority of Civil Aviation and relevant agencies is crucial in addressing security concerns and preventing potential threats. The airport's operational suspension will remain in effect until all necessary safety protocols are met.
The recent attacks on King Khalid International Airport have raised concerns about the security situation in the region. The incidents have been attributed to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, with the Houthi rebels suspected of being behind the attacks. The Saudi authorities have been working to enhance airport security and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The impact of the airport's suspension on air travel and operations is significant, with passengers and airlines affected by the disruption. The authorities are working to minimize the impact and provide support to those affected. The airport's management is coordinating with airlines and travel agencies to rebook flights and provide accommodations for passengers.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure the safety and security of airport operations. The extension of the operational suspension at King Khalid International Airport reflects the authorities' commitment to prioritizing safety and security. The situation will continue to be monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Key points
- The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation extends suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh due to security concerns.
- A previous attack on the airport resulted in 12 fatalities and 309 injuries, with victims from various nationalities.
- The authorities are working to verify and ensure the readiness of all airport systems to meet necessary safety protocols.
