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RIYADH: Messages of tribute, honor, and deep condolences have poured in following the death of Saudi pilot Capt. Hamoud bin Ali Alkalthami, who lost his life on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.<\/p>\n
Alkalthami was killed in the line of duty at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where he served as a captain for Saudia Airlines.<\/p>\n
Across X, citizens, government officials, and international organizations expressed their grief, honoring his sacrifice and uniting in global condemnation of the attack.<\/p>\n
Saudi Arabia\u2019s civil aviation authority confirmed that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was subjected to two attacks, which resulted in the death of three Saudi nationals including Alkalthami.<\/p>\n
The first attack targeted the airport\u2019s facilities, while the second targeted a Saudia aircraft leading to injuries to a number residents of various nationalities, ranging from minor to critical.<\/p>\n
In a statement released on Friday, the airline extended its condolences to the pilot\u2019s family, relatives and colleagues.<\/p>\n
\u201cSaudia honors his memory with deep respect and appreciation, recognizing his contributions throughout his career with the national flag carrier and the lasting impression he left on his colleagues,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
Ibrahim Al-Omar, CEO of Saudia Airlines, also took to X to express his condolences.<\/p>\n
\u201cMay God have mercy on our colleague, Captain Hamoud Al-Kalthami, who has passed into God\u2019s mercy after a professional career replete with dedication and sincerity, leaving behind a fine legacy and cherished memories in our hearts,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of myself and the members of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Group and its employees, I extend our deepest condolences and sincere solace to his family, relatives, and colleagues.\u201d<\/p>\n
The chief executive officer of the National Transport Safety Center, Tai Al-Shammari, who says he knew the deceased personally wrote: \u201cMay God have mercy on Captain Hamoud and grant him a spacious place in His gardens.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew the deceased personally, and I sensed in him a good character and excellent conduct.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy deepest condolences and sympathies to his noble family, relatives, and colleagues, asking God to envelop him in His vast mercy, and to inspire his family and loved ones with patience and solace.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riyadh Air also extended their condolences to Saudia and to the “family, loved ones, and colleagues of Captain Ali Alkalthami,” writing on X that “their thoughts and prayers are with the family and colleagues during this difficult time.”<\/p>\n
The attack saw an outpouring of condemnation, including form Global Affairs Canada, which wrote on X: \u201cCanada condemns in the strongest terms repeated Houthi strikes affecting Saudi Arabia\u2019s international airports & civilian infrastructure. These strikes, which have resulted in multiple civilian deaths & injuries, violate Saudi Arabia\u2019s sovereignty & threaten regional stability.<\/p>\n
\u201cAttacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable. Canada stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supports its right to protect its territory and population.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs of the government of India stated:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We wish speedy recovery for those injured. We express solidarity and stand with the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jordan\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also took to X to condemn the attack, which it called a \u201cblatant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.\u201d<\/p>\n
The spokesperson for the ministry, Ambassador Fuad Al-Majali, renewed Jordan\u2019s absolute solidarity with Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n
He also expressed the sincerest condolences and sympathy to the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of a Foreign Affairs of Romania took to X, saying in a statement: \u201cSuch attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable. We convey our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and we wish all injured people a speedy recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n
As of Friday afternoon, Alkalthami remains the only victim publicly named among the three Saudi citizens killed in the attack.<\/p>\n
Saudia\u2019s flights and operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh returned to normal as of 6 p.m. on Thursday. The airline continues to monitor flight schedules and communicate with passengers through its official channels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n