At least 12 people were killed and 309 injured in Saturday’s attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi authorities announced in the early hours of Sunday, local time.
The update on Saturday’s incident comes four weeks before WWE is scheduled to hold Crown Jewel at Riyadh Season Stadium on November 7.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said four Saudi nationals were among those killed, along with two people from Bangladesh and one person each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.
Some of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.
The airport suspended operations following the attack while authorities assessed damage and the safety of its facilities. Saturday’s strike followed several other attacks on Saudi airports during the week, including earlier incidents at King Khalid International Airport that killed three Saudi citizens.
Senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti told the New York Times that the Yemen-based group carried out Saturday’s attack in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen.
The Saudi-led military coalition also blamed the Houthis and said a passenger terminal had been targeted.
The United States updated its advisory on Saturday while maintaining Saudi Arabia at Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” citing the risk of missile and drone attacks as well as the wider armed conflict.
Britain’s Foreign Office updated its guidance following the attack. It now advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh province and has told British nationals to avoid King Khalid International Airport until it is secure. It added that further attacks against airports were deemed “very likely.”
The attack comes as Riyadh prepares to host several major international events over the next seven weeks. As of publication, the following remained listed or were reported as proceeding:
- October 11-15: The 25th WPC Energy Congress at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center. Organizers said the gathering would proceed despite the attacks, with increased security and alternative travel arrangements available to delegates. The venue is located close to King Khalid International Airport.
- October 21, 22 and 24: The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition at ANB Arena, featuring Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur and Learner Tien.
- October 26-29: The 10th Future Investment Initiative at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center. Organizers have said the summit will proceed as scheduled.
- November 7: WWE Crown Jewel at Riyadh Season Stadium.
- November 28: A UFC Fight Night is listed for Riyadh.
WWE continues to list Crown Jewel for November 7 in Riyadh. The company and TKO have not announced any change to the event.
Crown Jewel is scheduled to be WWE’s third event in Saudi Arabia this year, following Royal Rumble in January and Night of Champions in June. Riyadh is also due to host WrestleMania 43 in 2027.
