RIYADH: To his colleagues at Saudia, Capt. Hamoud bin Ali Alkalthami left a legacy of dedication. To one transport safety official who knew him personally, he was a man of good character. Tributes to the Saudi pilot have followed his death in an attack at King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, Oct. 8.
Alkalthami was killed in the line of duty at the Riyadh airport, where he served as a captain for the national airline.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said the airport suffered two attacks that killed three Saudi nationals. The first struck airport facilities; the second targeted a Saudia aircraft, injuring residents of several nationalities. Their injuries ranged from minor to critical.
In a statement released Friday, Saudia offered condolences to Alkalthami’s family, relatives and colleagues.
“Saudia 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,” it said.
Saudia CEO Ibrahim Al-Omar paid tribute on X to the pilot’s professional record and the memories he left behind.
“May God have mercy on our colleague, Captain Hamoud Al-Kalthami, who has passed into God’s mercy after a professional career replete with dedication and sincerity, leaving behind a fine legacy and cherished memories in our hearts,” he said.
“On 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.”
Tai Al-Shammari, chief executive of the National Transport Safety Center, recalled knowing Alkalthami personally.
“May God have mercy on Captain Hamoud and grant him a spacious place in His gardens.
“I knew the deceased personally, and I sensed in him a good character and excellent conduct.
“My 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.”
Riyadh Air extended 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.”
Alongside the personal tributes came condemnation from governments abroad.
Global Affairs Canada wrote on X: “Canada condemns in the strongest terms repeated Houthi strikes affecting Saudi Arabia’s international airports & civilian infrastructure. These strikes, which have resulted in multiple civilian deaths & injuries, violate Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty & threaten regional stability.
“Attacks 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.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also expressed solidarity with the Kingdom.
“The 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.”
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry described the attack as a “blatant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.”
Its spokesman, Ambassador Fuad Al-Majali, reaffirmed Jordan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and offered condolences to the Kingdom’s government, its people and the victims’ families. He wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Romania’s Foreign Ministry said on X: “Such 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.”
As of Friday afternoon, Alkalthami was the only publicly named victim among the three Saudi citizens killed.
Saudia said its flights and operations at King Khalid International Airport had returned to normal by 6 p.m. Thursday. The airline continued to monitor schedules and update passengers through its official channels.
