Riyadh Airport Reopens Two Terminals After Attack

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has resumed operations at two of its terminals, according to an official advisory issued on Saturday, October 24. The airport, which was disrupted following an attack on October 10, has now reopened Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights operated by Saudi national carriers.

The airport has advised passengers with confirmed bookings to verify their flight status with their respective airlines before traveling. The resumption of operations comes as a relief to travelers who have been affected by the disruptions caused by the attack, which resulted in 13 fatalities and over 300 injuries, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The airport has not provided a timeline for the full restoration of operations or clarified when international services and terminal arrangements for foreign airlines will return to normal. The attack occurred during a period of significant changes at the airport, as the Riyadh Airports Company had begun reorganizing the terminals in February to accommodate rising passenger traffic. The reorganization was aimed at increasing the annual passenger capacity from 42 million in 2025 to 56 million by the end of 2026, as reported by the SPA.

Context: This resumption of operations is crucial for Saudi Arabia's aviation sector, which has been experiencing significant growth and modernization efforts. The attack and subsequent disruptions highlight the challenges faced by the country in maintaining its infrastructure and ensuring the safety of passengers. The reorganization of the airport's terminals is part of a broader strategy to enhance the country's aviation capabilities and support its economic goals, including increased passenger traffic and improved international connectivity.