WSJ: Saudi Airlines Evacuate Fleet from Riyadh Airport as Yemeni Strikes Take Toll
The Wall Street Journal has reported that Saudi airlines have evacuated and transferred a large fleet of their aircraft from King Khalid International Airport to other airports inside the kingdom, such as Medina Airport, against the backdrop of continued Yemeni operations in response to the Saudi aggression and siege on Yemen that has continued since March 2015.
The American newspaper indicated that the number of aircraft at Riyadh Airport dropped from 134 to 38 by Wednesday noon amid widespread evacuation operations, according to Flightradar24 flight tracking data.
It explained that Riyadh Air transferred four of its five aircraft that were parked at Riyadh Airport to other airports, including Medina Airport.
The newspaper cited an insurance report stating the complete loss of one aircraft and damage to five others at Riyadh Airport, with a total insured value of approximately $375 million.
Pressure on Saudi Aviation Sector
These Yemeni operations have placed the Saudi aviation sector under significant pressure, coinciding with Saudi investments of tens of billions to expand airports and modernize air fleets. This comes as the renewal date for war risk insurance policies for local airlines such as Saudia, Riyadh Air, and Flyadeal approaches next month.
The continued closure of Riyadh Airport exacerbates pressures on Saudi airlines and disrupts part of their daily flight network.
According to the American newspaper, Saudi airlines face the prospect of a significant rise in war risk insurance costs as a result of Yemeni strikes on Saudi airports within the “siege for siege and airport for airport” equation.
The evacuation of Saudi aircraft from Riyadh Airport represents a tangible demonstration of the impact of Yemen’s air blockade on the kingdom’s aviation sector. The reduction in aircraft numbers from 134 to 38 reflects the severity of the situation and the challenges facing Saudi aviation authorities.
The reported loss of one aircraft and damage to five others, with a total insured value of approximately $375 million, underscores the financial cost of Yemeni strikes on Saudi aviation assets.