Riyadh Air Base ( , Arabic : قاعدة الرياض الجوية ) formerly Riyadh International Airport until 1982 is an airport in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia . It was originally used by Saudia as a Hub before the New Airport was opened in 1982 . It was originally opened in 1946 . Originally used for commercial flights by Saudi Arabia Airlines , the airport witnessed the destruction of Saudia Flight 163 on the night of August 19 1980 . The Lockheed L-1011-200 was attempting to evacuate its passengers when smoke filled the cabin and later burst into flames on the tarmac
Saudia Flight 163
Saudia Flight 163
Riyadh Air Base