Saudi diplomatic missions praised for swift support after King Khalid airport attack

In a scene reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its citizens wherever they are, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions have received praise from citizens whose travel plans were disrupted after the recent attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The ministry moved quickly to provide assistance and solutions, demonstrating the leadership’s ongoing concern for the safety and welfare of Saudis both at home and abroad.

These efforts continue the Kingdom’s longstanding approach, under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, to serve citizens and address their needs through coordinated government action and rapid response to emergencies.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation announced that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was attacked on Saturday, October 10, 2026, resulting in several injuries. Operations at the airport were temporarily suspended while authorities assessed the damage and ensured the safety of facilities, in coordination with relevant agencies.

Following the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on citizens whose flights were affected or who were unable to reach their destinations due to canceled or delayed flights to Riyadh to contact Saudi missions in their current countries for assistance and guidance.

In Kuwait, the Saudi embassy arranged buses to transport citizens wishing to return to Riyadh after their flights were canceled, provided they had a canceled booking. The embassy set Monday, October 12, as the departure date from its premises in the Daiya district, aiming to facilitate citizens’ return and ease the impact of disrupted travel plans.

In China, citizen Hassan Al-Salmi praised the swift response of the Saudi embassy after his flight from Beijing to Riyadh was canceled. He reported receiving an immediate and reassuring reply, stating his issue was resolved in less than a minute, which left him feeling safe and proud of his country and its leadership.

In Madrid, Spain, another citizen described how the Saudi embassy responded to his situation after he and his companions struggled to find hotel rooms during Spain’s National Day celebrations. The embassy quickly arranged accommodation, prompting him to express pride in the Kingdom and its support for its citizens.

A Saudi woman also expressed gratitude for the embassy’s assistance after her flight from Trabzon to Riyadh was canceled. She was advised to extend her hotel stay and contact the embassy regarding expenses, noting that this support made her feel secure despite the exceptional circumstances.

These examples represent just some of the efforts made in recent hours, and do not capture the full range of services and support provided by Saudi diplomatic missions to citizens affected by flight disruptions. Embassies and consulates continue to carry out their duties, caring for citizens and following up on their needs as required.

Citizens’ testimonials highlighted the humanitarian role of Saudi diplomatic missions abroad, whose response went beyond providing guidance to include resolving travel issues, arranging accommodation, and addressing urgent needs.

The developments also underscored the coordinated efforts of government agencies in responding to the incident, from the precautionary measures announced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation to protect travelers and facilities, to the Foreign Ministry and embassies’ actions supporting affected citizens overseas.

From Beijing to Madrid, Trabzon, and Kuwait, citizens’ accounts illustrated the level of care they received and the importance of Saudi diplomatic presence in exceptional circumstances, turning official response into practical support that meets citizens’ needs.

These efforts, under the leadership of the King and Crown Prince, reaffirm the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to making the safety and welfare of its citizens a top priority. The nation’s concern for its people knows no borders, strengthening trust in state institutions and deepening pride and belonging among Saudis everywhere.