Umrah pilgrims caught in deadly Riyadh airport attack as pilot, flight attendant die

Hundreds injured as Saudi Arabia’s airports come under attack, leaving families across several countries mourning their loved ones

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Umrah pilgrims travelling to Islam’s holiest cities were among those caught in a deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where at least 13 people were killed and 309 injured as details emerged of victims from several countries.

The victims included a Saudi airline pilot, an Egyptian flight attendant and a Syrian widowed mother of four, while an Indian pilgrim travelling with his family for Umrah later died from injuries sustained in Saturday’s attack.

The strike on Saturday, October 10, was part of a wider series of attacks on Saudi aviation facilities attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The attacks have killed at least 20 people across airports in Riyadh and Abha, according to reports published on Monday.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation initially reported 12 deaths and 309 injuries from Saturday’s attack. The death toll rose to 13 after Indian national Mohammed Yusuf Ali, who had been travelling with his family for Umrah, died from his injuries, according to India’s embassy in Saudi Arabia.

The victims included Saudi and foreign nationals. Saudi authorities initially identified four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis and one national each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan among those killed. Ali’s death was confirmed subsequently.

Inside the Haramain, an account covering developments at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, reported on X that Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the two holy mosques were among those killed and injured. It did not specify how many pilgrims were affected.

Two doctors also told reporters that pilgrims travelling to Makkah were among those injured while waiting to board their flights at the airport.

Footage broadcast by Saudi state television showed religious pilgrims gathered at a departure gate, preparing to travel to Makkah and Madinah, when a bright orange flash sent people running in panic. Parts of the airport roof appeared to cave in.

Pilot, flight attendant among identified victims

Among the victims of the wider attacks was Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, a pilot with Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia. The airline confirmed his death following an attack on Riyadh airport on Thursday. Saudi authorities said airport facilities and a Saudia aircraft had been struck.

Azza Ramzy, a 28-year-old Egyptian flight attendant with Saudi airline flynas, died from injuries sustained in Saturday’s attack, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty directed Egypt’s diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia to expedite arrangements for the transfer of her body to Egypt. Ramzy was from Beheira governorate in northern Egypt, according to Egyptian media reports.

Buthaina Ahmad Oweida, a Syrian widow and mother of four who had lived in Saudi Arabia for five years, was also killed in Saturday’s attack. Based in Makkah, she had been returning from Riyadh, where she had visited her sister, when her family lost contact with her.

Her brother told Syria’s state-run news agency, Sana, that the Syrian consul later informed him of her death following official confirmation from the Saudi government. The Syrian embassy in Riyadh also confirmed that she was killed in the airport attack.

Palestinian national Talal Al Dani was another victim of Saturday’s strike, according to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry. The Palestinian embassy in Saudi Arabia said it was assisting his family and handling arrangements concerning his body.

Ali, the Indian Umrah pilgrim, was travelling with his family when he was injured. India’s embassy confirmed his death on Sunday and said it was in contact with his family to assist with the repatriation of his remains.

Airport operations suspended

The attacks prompted Saudi authorities to suspend operations at King Khalid International Airport, divert flights and deploy emergency medical teams to treat the injured.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation authority extended the suspension of operations at the Riyadh airport until Saturday, October 17, to allow safety inspections and other procedures to be completed, according to Reuters.

The closure disrupted air travel, with several international airlines cancelling or suspending services to the Saudi capital.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis blamed the Yemeni group for the attacks and vowed a firm response. The Houthis had claimed responsibility for earlier missile attacks targeting Saudi aviation facilities and warned international airlines against operating in Saudi airspace.

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