Indian resident among two dead after attack on Saudi Arabia’s Dammam airport; embassy in touch with families

One Indian national was killed and two others were injured when an attack struck King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, on the evening of 21 October. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the casualties on 22 October.

What the authorities have said

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said two people died: one Saudi citizen and one Indian resident. It put the number of injured at eight, with injuries ranging from minor to critical. The authority had first reported one death, and the toll was later revised to two.

The injured are being treated at several hospitals. Among them are two Indian nationals, in line with the embassy’s count. The remaining patients are citizens of other countries.

The aviation authority has not said who was responsible. It has said that damage is being assessed with the relevant agencies and that the safety of the airport’s facilities is being checked.

Embassy statement

In a post on social media, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it was “ascertaining further details and contacting the affected families”. It conveyed its condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who died and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The embassy has not released the name of the Indian who died, nor the state he came from. Until the family has been informed and the authorities release details, no assumption can be made about where he was from.

Airport operations

The civil aviation authority said operations at the airport have resumed and air traffic is back to normal.

Dammam is one of the main airports serving Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

What families can do

• Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia who need help can contact the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, which says it is in touch with those affected.
• Families in India are advised to rely on the embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs for confirmed information on the injured and the deceased.

Saudi authorities have not announced the findings of any investigation into the Dammam incident. This report carries only what the Saudi aviation authority and the Indian Embassy have stated.