An Indian national was among two people killed in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday evening, October 21. Eight others were injured, including two Indian nationals, as the incident added to growing security concerns across the Gulf region.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) initially reported one death and eight injuries. In an updated statement on Thursday, the authority confirmed that the death toll had risen to two, with the victims identified as a Saudi citizen and an Indian resident.
The injured include residents of India, Yemen, Bangladesh and Nepal, as well as a Saudi citizen. Their injuries range from minor to critical, and they have been taken to hospitals for medical treatment.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed that an Indian citizen had died in the incident and that two other Indian nationals were injured. The embassy said it was gathering further information and contacting the affected families to provide assistance.
The attack caused material damage at the airport, and authorities are continuing to assess its extent. Officials have not publicly disclosed full details about the nature of the attack or identified those responsible for the latest incident.
Despite the attack, King Fahd International Airport has resumed operations, with air traffic returning to normal, according to Saudi aviation authorities.
The authorities said they were working with relevant security agencies to assess the damage and implement measures to protect passengers and airport personnel. Maintaining the safety of the Kingdom’s civil aviation infrastructure remains a priority, GACA said.
The airport, located in Dammam in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, serves a major industrial and commercial region along the Gulf coast. Any disruption to its operations can affect passenger travel, business movement and regional connectivity.
The attack also comes at a time when several Saudi airports and other critical infrastructure sites have faced security threats amid intensifying regional hostilities. Authorities have been monitoring possible further attacks while working to maintain essential services and protect civilians.
The Indian Embassy said it was in contact with the relevant authorities to obtain more information about the victims and assist those affected by the attack.
The death of an Indian resident has raised fresh concerns for the large Indian community living and working in Saudi Arabia. Indian nationals form a significant part of the Kingdom’s expatriate workforce, particularly in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, services and other sectors.
The embassy expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Further details about the victims and the circumstances of the incident were still being ascertained.
The presence of two injured Indian nationals among those receiving treatment means consular officials are also following their condition and coordinating with the relevant authorities.
The Dammam incident comes amid a series of attacks affecting Saudi Arabia as tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and the Saudi-backed internationally recognised Yemeni government intensify.
Saudi airports have faced repeated threats in recent weeks. Earlier attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh caused casualties and significant disruption, while other incidents have raised concerns about the safety of civilian aviation and critical infrastructure.
The Saudi-led coalition has reported intercepting drones launched towards parts of the Kingdom, including the Eastern Province. However, Saudi authorities have not publicly confirmed who was responsible for the latest attack on King Fahd International Airport.
The distinction is important as the region faces multiple overlapping security developments. While previous attacks have been attributed to or claimed by the Houthis, responsibility for the latest Dammam incident has not been conclusively established in the public statements available.
The security situation has also prompted action by foreign governments. The United States ordered non-essential diplomatic personnel and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia amid concerns over the risk of further attacks. US officials have warned of continuing threats to American missions and personnel in the region.
The developments have added to uncertainty for travellers, expatriates and businesses operating across the Gulf, where airports and energy installations are essential to international transport and trade.
Saudi authorities are continuing to examine the damage caused by the attack and coordinate security measures. Although airport operations have resumed, the incident highlights the challenges facing civilian infrastructure amid the wider regional conflict.
With two people confirmed dead, including an Indian resident, and eight injured, the incident has renewed attention on the safety of civilians in Saudi Arabia. Further details about the attack, its perpetrators and the extent of the damage are expected as authorities continue their investigation.
