Attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10 and 11 disrupted travel to a major energy congress. Several oil-company chief executives reportedly cancelled their attendance, while Poland withdrew its delegation and Italy switched to remote participation. The five-day World Petroleum Council Energy Congress opened as planned on October 11.

Executives cancel while congress goes ahead

Two unnamed sources said the chief executives of ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Shell and BP cancelled plans to attend. The Financial Times also reported the withdrawals of the ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies and Shell executives.

BP said travel disruptions prevented its representatives from attending in person, despite efforts to participate. The company said it remained committed to its longstanding partnerships across the region.

Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry confirmed that the congress went ahead at a conference centre about 10 kilometres from the airport. Italy participated by video in a ministerial energy forum held alongside the congress, according to a Polish news report. Nigeria, the forum’s other co-host, sent a representative.

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Airport attacks leave hundreds injured

The Houthis, a Yemeni group, said they carried out the October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport. Death toll reports differed: Saudi officials reported 12 deaths, civil aviation authorities reported at least 12, and Reuters was cited by a Polish financial website as reporting 13. More than 300 people were reported injured.

Another attack hit Riyadh airport on October 11, causing a fire and further flight disruption. The Polish financial website reported that one person was killed and 11 were injured in that attack.

The airport remained closed in reports published early on October 12. Foreign embassies advised their citizens to stay away from the area.

The Houthis also said they targeted Dammam airport and two Aramco oil facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. They said they used ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones in the attacks.

Houthi spokesperson Jahja Sari said operations inside Saudi Arabia would continue. He repeated warnings to airlines, employees and passengers about using Saudi airports and airspace. Saudi Arabia described the airport strike as a terrorist attack and promised a decisive response.

Poland seeks meetings after cancelling trip

Polish Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka said his delegation cancelled its trip to the congress because of the airport attacks. He said Poland remained in contact with its embassy and allies.

Motyka said Poland wanted meetings with representatives of Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks. Those talks could take place in Poland or alongside other international gatherings, he said.