Saudia confirms that two of its crew members died in Sri Lanka attacks

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has confirmed that two of its crew members died in the attacks in Sri Lanka on Sunday.

In a statement on Twitter, the airline identified the victims as Ahmed Zain Jaafri, cabin manager, and Hani Maged Othman, who was working as a steward.

The airline’s director general Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser said: “Myself, with the entire management team and all the team members of Saudi Arabian Airlines are with heavy hearts, filled with deep sorrow, as the airline confirms that two of its cabin crew members have passed away in the explosions that took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

“Each has a long tenure supporting the airline. These two gentlemen whole heartedly served their country and Saudia. All of us mourn for Ahmed and Hani, who are our brothers for eternity and our hearts are filled with pain for the indescribable loss that their families are facing,” he said.

“Our thoughts, prayers and full support are with the families at the time,” he added.

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— مركز الاتصال (@svmedia_center) April 23, 2019

The airline had confirmed on Sunday that two crew members were unaccounted for and that one was hospitalised for minor injuries.

Read: Two Saudia crew members missing after Sri Lanka attacks

At least 321 people are believed to have been killed and hundreds more have been injured in the bombings that took place in hotels in Colombo as well as churches in Negombo, Batticaloa and the Sri Lankan capital on Easter.

That includes at least 31 foreign victims including nationals from India, the UK, Denmark, Turkey, China, US, Bangladesh, France, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Fourteen foreign nationals remain unaccounted for, the Sri Lankan foreign ministry said.

Police officials confirmed that around 40 suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks.