Saudi Arabia’s major energy gathering began Sunday, October 11, with Riyadh’s main airport closed, another attack striking its passenger terminal and senior international oil executives canceling their trips. The WPC Energy Congress is proceeding through October 15, but the attacks are already disrupting the attendance it was built around.
Executives from ExxonMobil, Shell, BP and TotalEnergies were among those withdrawing, according to Financial Times reporting. Italy’s energy minister switched to video participation in a related ministerial meeting. Other officials reached Riyadh, but now face uncertainty over how they will leave.
The gathering has not been canceled. Its formal inauguration, main conference sessions and exhibition are scheduled to begin Monday, October 12, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. Sunday’s program includes ministerial meetings and a welcome reception.
The airport crisis reaches directly into the congress’s purpose: bringing energy decision-makers together to discuss investment, production and the reliability of global supplies. With flights suspended and executives withdrawing, organizers are trying to preserve those discussions while access to the Saudi capital remains disrupted.
The Saudi-led coalition said an unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4 at King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, causing a fire. Saudi aviation authorities reported injuries but had not released a number. Air defenses separately intercepted a cruise missile near the airport.
The renewed attack followed Saturday’s strike, which killed 13 people and wounded more than 300. The death toll increased Sunday after India’s embassy announced that an injured Indian citizen had died.
King Khalid remained closed Sunday. For incoming delegates, that means a conference registration and a scheduled speaking slot offer no assurance of reaching the venue.
Flight suspensions were already extending into the conference week. Reuters reported that Lufthansa had suspended Riyadh services through October 16—covering the entire congress. Etihad and flydubai had also canceled services scheduled for October 10.
Some international participation is continuing. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman addressed the gathering Sunday, while the 17th International Energy Forum ministerial meeting proceeded at the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is hosting that meeting, with Italy and Nigeria as co-hosts.
Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin chose to participate remotely. German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche was in Riyadh, but officials were examining alternatives for her planned Monday return to Berlin because the airport closure threatened her departure.
Those examples show the practical divide facing organizers: some participants are present, some have switched to remote attendance and others have abandoned their trips.
The 25th WPC Energy Congress anchors a broader Riyadh Energy Week. Its official program covers energy security, resilient supplies, production and the integration of lower-carbon technologies. It brings together government officials, company leaders, engineers and researchers alongside an industry exhibition.
Organizers had promoted attendance of more than 25,000 participants. No updated turnout or total cancellation figure has been verified. That advertised number cannot be presented as the crowd that actually arrived.
Alternative travel arrangements are also under pressure. Organizers previously suggested flying to Dammam and completing an approximately four-hour drive to Riyadh. The Houthis subsequently claimed an attack on Dammam’s airport; Reuters reported no immediate Saudi confirmation. Delegates considering that route face another changing security picture.
European aviation guidance reinforces the operational difficulty. EASA’s October 9 bulletin advises covered airlines to avoid specified portions of Saudi airspace and exercise caution elsewhere, citing missiles, drones, interception activity and falling debris.
Saudi Arabia is maintaining its event calendar, including the separate Future Investment Initiative scheduled for October 26–29. But this week’s congress is already proceeding with prominent withdrawals and disrupted travel.
Monday’s inauguration is the next immediate test. The sessions remain scheduled; the unresolved question is how many of the international leaders expected to shape them can reach Riyadh—and whether those already there can depart safely.
JBizNews Desk | Riyadh
© JBizNews.com. All rights reserved. This article is original reporting by JBizNews Desk. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution is strictly prohibited.
