Indian national among two killed in attack on Saudi Arabia's airport; two others injured
PTC News Desk: A late-night attack on Dammam airport in Saudi Arabia killed two people, including an Indian national and a Saudi citizen, and injured eight others, the country’s civil aviation authority said on Thursday. The attack took place on Wednesday amid an increase in strikes by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation updated the death toll in a statement and said officials were assessing the damage caused to the airport.
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities and civilian infrastructure have increased sharply in recent weeks. The strikes have reportedly forced Riyadh to close its main airport and postpone a major investment conference. According to an AFP tally of official figures, 22 people have been killed in attacks on Saudi airports this month.
Saudi authorities have informed that one Indian national was among two people who unfortunately lost their lives in the attack on Dammam airport yesterday night and two Indian nationals were injured. We are ascertaining further details and contacting the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased and we wish speedy recovery of the injured.
@MEAIndia
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 22, 2026
The Houthis have also announced a maritime blockade in the Red Sea, threatening oil shipments from Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter.
The latest attacks follow the collapse of a years-long truce in Yemen’s civil war in July. The Iran-backed Houthis are fighting Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is supported by a Saudi-led coalition.
The group declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and began targeting its ships, territory and oil facilities. In September, it launched a major offensive and seized government-held areas along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
In response, the Saudi air force has repeatedly carried out strikes on Houthi-controlled areas, which cover much of Yemen.
US issues travel alert, India urges citizens to exercise caution
The United States ordered non-essential embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, according to the US State Department.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the Iran-backed Houthis had increased attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure, causing civilian casualties and major travel disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia had urged Indian nationals on Sunday to follow the latest safety instructions issued by Saudi authorities, particularly those receiving emergency alerts.
- PTC NEWS
