Saudia has published a formal obituary confirming that one of its pilots, Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, was killed in the incident at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
“It is with profound sadness that Saudia announces the passing of Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, who lost his life on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in the incident at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh,” the airline said in a statement.
The airline said it recognised his contributions throughout his career with the national flag carrier and the impression he left on colleagues. Condolences were extended to his family and those who worked alongside him.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation had previously confirmed that the airport was struck twice on October 8, with one strike targeting airport infrastructure and a second hitting a Saudi Arabian Airlines aircraft on the ground. Three Saudi citizens were reported killed in the attacks.
