Who Was Captain Hamoud Ali Al-Kalthami? Saudia Pilot Among 3 Killed in Riyadh Airport Attacks

Saudia Airlines has identified Captain Hamoud Ali Al-Kalthami as one of three Saudi citizens killed in attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Oct. 8. The strikes damaged a Saudia aircraft parked at the airport, injured several people and disrupted flight operations, raising fresh concerns about aviation security as the conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi movement intensifies.

The airline announced Al-Kalthami’s death on Friday, Oct. 9, paying tribute to his contribution to Saudi Arabia’s national carrier. However, details about the pilot’s personal life and the circumstances of his death remain unclear.

Saudia Airlines Pays Tribute to Captain Al-Kalthami

Al-Kalthami worked as a pilot for Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier. The airline has not publicly disclosed his age, hometown, educational background, family details or length of service.

In its tribute, Saudia acknowledged his professional contributions and the impact he had on colleagues throughout his career.

“Saudia honors his memory with deep respect and appreciation, recognizing his contributions throughout his career with the national flag carrier and the lasting impression he left on his colleagues,” the airline said, according to Arab News.

The carrier also expressed condolences to his family, relatives and co-workers. The airline has not explained where Al-Kalthami was when the attacks occurred or provided details about how he died. Those circumstances remain unconfirmed in the available reporting.

King Khalid International Airport Attack

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said King Khalid International Airport was targeted in two separate attacks on Thursday. The first attack targeted airport facilities, while the second struck a Saudia aircraft parked on the ground. The airline said the aircraft sustained damage but had no passengers on board at the time.

Emergency services responded to the incidents, and several people were injured. Reports indicated that some sustained minor injuries while others were seriously hurt and required hospital treatment.

Authorities assessed the damage and implemented security measures to protect passengers, airport employees and aviation infrastructure.

Despite the attacks, airport operations subsequently resumed. Saudia said its operations at the airport had returned to normal by 6 p.m. local time on Thursday, while GACA confirmed that air traffic had resumed.

Houthis Claim Cruise Missile Attack

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility. Reuters reporting carried by The Arab Weekly said the group fired two cruise missiles at Riyadh airport. The Houthis also said they targeted an airport in Najran and an airbase in Khamis Mushait with ballistic missiles. Saudi authorities had not confirmed those additional claims in the available reporting.

The Saudi-led coalition said it destroyed missiles launched toward Riyadh and Khamis Mushait. Saudi officials added that debris from an intercepted missile hit a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh.

The Houthis control parts of Yemen and have been fighting the country’s internationally recognized government in a long civil war. They link their attacks on Saudi targets to Riyadh’s backing of that government. Saudi Arabia has now supported an offensive to win back territory the group holds, and the fighting has increasingly spilled across the border.

The airport strikes also followed earlier attacks that week on Riyadh and Abha airports, in which Saudi authorities reported three deaths. The latest attacks killed three more Saudi citizens, Al-Kalthami among them.

Airlines Suspend Flights After Strikes

The impact on aviation was swift. Reuters reporting cited by The Arab Weekly said Lufthansa and Air India suspended flights to Riyadh. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that nearly half of departures from the capital’s airport had been canceled by 1500 GMT, with more cancellations expected at Saudi airports the next day. The airport urged travelers to check with their airlines before setting out.

Saudi authorities continue to investigate the attacks and their consequences for aviation security.