The Saudi civil aviation authority announced on October 11, 2026, that an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resulted in 12 fatalities and 309 injuries. The incident led to a temporary suspension of operational activities at the airport. Authorities have confirmed that the attack caused significant disruptions to air travel.
According to the civil aviation authority, the victims included citizens from various countries: four Saudi nationals, as well as individuals from Bangladesh, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. The attack on the airport was widely condemned, with many countries expressing their concerns over the rising incidents of violence in the region.
The Egyptian government, in a statement released on October 11, 2026, reiterated its condemnation of the attack on King Khalid International Airport. The government expressed its solidarity with the Saudi government and the families of the victims. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also emphasized the importance of international cooperation to combat terrorism.
The attack on King Khalid International Airport led to a significant response from the international community. The European Parliament had recently passed a resolution to counter terrorism and the influence of extremist networks, including the Muslim Brotherhood. Advisors to former US President Donald Trump welcomed the move, highlighting the need for global cooperation to address security threats.
In the aftermath of the attack, several airlines, including EgyptAir, announced the temporary suspension of flights to Riyadh. The airline offered passengers the option to modify or cancel their bookings free of charge. The incident raised concerns about the security of air travel and the potential impact on tourism and business.
The Saudi government has been working to enhance security measures at its airports in response to the growing threat of terrorism. The government has implemented various protocols to ensure passenger safety, including increased screening and surveillance. The incident at King Khalid International Airport highlighted the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among nations to address security challenges.
On a separate note, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations during a phone call on October 11, 2026. The two leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing economic cooperation and promoting people-to-people exchanges between their countries.
Key points
- 12 people were killed in the attack on King Khalid International Airport.
- The victims included citizens from eight countries.
- The attack led to a temporary suspension of operational activities at the airport.
