RIYADH: Three Saudi nationals were killed and several others injured in two attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said in a statement on Friday.

The authority said the first attack targeted airport facilities, while the second targeted an aircraft belonging to Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia.

“The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of (3) Saudi citizens,” GACA said, adding that several Saudi nationals and residents of different nationalities sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical.

All those injured were immediately transported to hospitals for medical treatment, the authority said.

The attacks also caused property damage, although GACA did not provide further details on the extent of the destruction.

Emergency response teams and relevant authorities responded immediately following the attacks, implementing established emergency protocols and response plans.

GACA confirmed that operations at King Khalid International Airport have since resumed, with air traffic returning to normal.

The authority said it was continuing to coordinate with relevant agencies to assess the damage, verify the safety of airport facilities and take measures to protect passengers and personnel.

In a separate statement on Friday, Saudia confirmed that one of its employees, Captain Hamoud Ali al-Kalthami, was killed in Thursday’s incident.

The airline paid tribute to the pilot, recognizing his contributions throughout his career with the national carrier and extending condolences to his family, loved ones and colleagues.

Saudia also confirmed that one of its aircraft was damaged while on the ground at King Khalid International Airport, adding that there were no passengers on board at the time.

The attacks come amid escalating security tensions in the Kingdom following a series of missile strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, including airports.

GACA said it would continue working with the relevant authorities to maintain the security and safety of Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation system.