Saudi Airport Worker Dies After Risking His Life to Save Passengers in Dammam Attack

DAMMAM: A Saudi airport employee has died after risking his life to prevent a fire from spreading towards a passenger aircraft following an attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, leaving his six children without their father.

Sultan bin Ali Al-Mastour Al-Qahtani, a father of six, reportedly suffered severe smoke inhalation while attempting to extinguish the fire alongside his colleagues. He later died in hospital despite receiving medical treatment.

According to reports by Gulf News and Arab News, the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 21, when King Fahd International Airport was targeted in an attack. A fire broke out near Gates 19 and 20, close to a passenger aircraft.

Al-Qahtani was on duty at the time. After hearing an explosion, he and his colleagues rushed outside and discovered that the flames could spread towards the aircraft.

Concerned about the safety of passengers, Al-Qahtani immediately picked up portable fire extinguishers and joined his colleagues in efforts to bring the blaze under control.

Chest Pain and Breathing Difficulties After Firefighting

Al-Qahtani’s father, Ali Al-Qahtani, told Saudi media that his son had been preparing to assist passengers boarding an aircraft with his colleagues when the explosion occurred.

Seeing the flames, Al-Qahtani rushed to extinguish the fire to prevent it from reaching the passenger plane, his father said.

Shortly after the firefighting effort, Al-Qahtani began experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing. He informed his colleagues that he was feeling unwell, prompting them to advise him to seek immediate medical attention.

According to Aajel, a Saudi news outlet affiliated with the newspaper Okaz, he was initially taken to Saudi German Hospital, where his condition deteriorated. Following his death, his body was transferred to Dammam Medical Complex for the necessary legal procedures.

The Eastern Province office of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health also reviewed questions raised on social media concerning the treatment provided to him at the hospital. Officials said medical assistance had been administered upon his arrival, but he could not be saved.

Father of Six Remembered for His Courage

Al-Qahtani’s death has plunged his family into deep grief. He was married and had six children—two sons and four daughters—all of whom are students. His eldest son attends middle school.

His father said the family was devastated by his loss but proud that he had put himself in danger to protect others.

According to Arab News, Al-Qahtani’s uncle, Khalid Hussein Al-Qahtani, also paid tribute to him, describing him as a source of pride for the family who had lived and died with courage.

Family members said Al-Qahtani shared a close bond with his parents and siblings, and relatives regularly visited him.

Airport Attack Leaves Two Dead and Eight Injured

According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, the October 21 attack on King Fahd International Airport left two people dead and eight others injured.

The deceased included one Saudi national and one Indian national. The injured included a Saudi citizen and foreign nationals from India, Yemen, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Authorities said the injured were taken to different hospitals for treatment, while officials assessed damage to the airport building and other facilities.

Saudi authorities subsequently confirmed that flight operations at the airport had resumed after the necessary safety measures were implemented.

Saudi and Gulf media reports attributed the attack to the Houthis, although civil aviation authorities had not initially identified a specific group as responsible.

Following Al-Qahtani’s death, tributes have highlighted his bravery and his decision to put passengers’ safety before his own during the emergency. He is being remembered as an airport employee who risked everything in an effort to protect the lives of others.