King Salman Air Base

King Salman Air Base (ICAO: OERY, Arabic: قاعدة الملك سلمان الجوية), formerly known as Riyadh Air Base until 2015 with the commencement of "Decisive Storm" and formerly known as Riyadh International Airport from its opening in 1946 until 1983, was a military air base in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

It was originally used by Saudia as an airline hub before King Khalid International Airport opened in 1983.

The passengers and crew of the Lockheed L-1011-200, registration HZ-AHK, attempted to evacuate the smoke-filled cabin after landing but failed to do so, and the aircraft later burst into flames and was destroyed on the tarmac.

In December 1983, King Khalid International Airport was opened, which led to this airport becoming a Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) air base.

It’s currently demolished to construct King Salman Park, the airport grounds are now converted into construction sites and hills and the Air Base is demolished for the sake of the project.

The aftermath of the fire that destroyed Saudia 163.
The aftermath of the fire that destroyed Saudia 163.