Saudi airlines are scrambling to move aircraft out of Riyadh after deadly attacks turned the capital’s airport into a dangerous place to leave them parked. Instead of bringing more aircraft into its new global hub, the immediate priority is getting them out. It is a grim reversal for a country investing so heavily in aviation.
Citing Flightradar24 data, the WSJ says the number of aircraft on the ground fell from 134 on October 8 to 38 by noon on October 14. An insurance report it reviewed identified six damaged aircraft, including one written off, with a combined insured value of approximately $375 million. That last figure is the insured value of the affected aircraft, not an established repair bill or final insurance payout.
As I previously covered, the attacks have killed travelers and airline employees and caused extensive disruption. A Saudia Airbus A320 was destroyed. Now the airlines face another urgent task much like in Kyiv after the Russian invasion: protecting the aircraft that remain.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
