Riyadh: At least one person has been killed and eight others injured in an attack targeting King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday evening, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced.
According to an official statement released by GACA, the injured individuals sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical and were taken to hospital for medical care.
In a statement posted on X, GACA said, “The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announces that King Fahd International Airport in Dammam was targeted by an attack on the evening of Wednesday, October 21, 2026, corresponding to 10 Jumada Al-Awwal 1448 AH.”
The civil aviation authority further stated that the attack caused property damage, the extent of which is currently being assessed.
“The attack resulted in the fatality of a resident, may Allah bestow His mercy upon him, and injuries to (8) others, ranging from minor to critical. All injured individuals were immediately transported to hospital to receive the necessary medical care. The attack also caused property damage, the extent of which is currently being assessed. Further updates will be provided,” it added.
Meanwhile, the US Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees and their family members from Saudi Arabia.
“Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The safety and security of Department personnel and their families remain our highest priority, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect and support them,” US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott wrote on X.
Al Jazeera reported that Colonel Majid al-Nazili, military spokesman for the Yemeni military, confirmed that Houthi forces had targeted al-Rayyan airport for the fourth time in a single day.
Condemning continued strikes on civil aviation infrastructure, Colonel al-Nazili described attacks on airports as assaults on essential infrastructure serving the Yemeni population and deliberate attempts to impose a blockade.
He further emphasised that targeting airports directly harms the interests of the Yemeni people and severely restricts their freedom of movement.
In a separate statement reported by Al Jazeera, Brigadier General Turki al-Malki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, announced that coalition air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed four unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) targeting Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
The latest incident comes amid escalating regional tensions following a series of attacks on airport facilities.
On October 10, 13 people, including an Indian national, were killed and hundreds injured in a deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation had earlier reported 12 fatalities and 309 injuries in a statement issued on October 11.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh subsequently confirmed the death of an Indian national who had sustained injuries in the attack.
A series of attacks also targeted King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport on October 6 and 7. GACA said the incidents resulted in three deaths and 36 injuries.
Airport operations were temporarily suspended as authorities assessed the damage and conducted safety inspections in coordination with relevant agencies.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that the regional situation in West Asia remained a matter of “deep concern”. He affirmed that New Delhi would support every initiative aimed at promoting peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
Jaishankar made the remarks during discussions with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
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