Indian Expat Killed in Dammam Airport Houthi Strike
Indian ground staff Kamlesh Pandey was killed in a Houthi-claimed attack at Dammam airport, triggering widespread flight cancellations.
A tragic missile or drone attack, claimed by Houthi forces, has claimed the life of an Indian expatriate at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The incident, which occurred on the night of October 21, 2026, has triggered a wave of flight cancellations and left thousands of travelers stranded across the region.
Ground Staff Member Killed in Attack
Kamlesh Pandey, a 36-year-old Indian national from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, was working as a pushback operator and ground staff member at the airport when the projectile struck. Pandey, who had been employed at the airport for approximately five years, was operating a tug tractor at the time of the strike.
The attack also resulted in the death of a Saudi airport worker, Sultan Al-Qahtani, who died from smoke inhalation while attempting to suppress the fires caused by the impact. In total, eight other individuals sustained injuries, including two Indian nationals. One of the injured Indians was discharged from medical care on October 22, while the second is expected to be released shortly.
Massive Flight Disruptions and Stranded Pilgrims
The security situation has caused significant chaos in regional aviation, with major airlines suspending or cancelling services to mitigate risks:
- Air India and Air India Express: Flights to Riyadh and Dammam have been cancelled until November 7, 2026, while Jeddah services are suspended until October 31.
- IndiGo: Services to Riyadh have been suspended until October 31.
- Akasa Air: Has similarly deferred several routes in response to the volatility.
These widespread cancellations have left thousands of Indian Umrah pilgrims stranded in holy cities, including Makkah and Madinah.
A Growing Regional Crisis
This incident follows a similar strike on October 10 at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, which killed 46-year-old Hyderabad IT professional Mohammed Yousuf Ali and caused severe injuries to his family. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has documented multiple Indian casualties and one missing person during the ongoing regional conflict, which began around February 28.
Over 300,000 Indians have returned from the region since the conflict began, amidst a total population of approximately 10 million Indian nationals residing in GCC countries.
Embassy Response and Family Bereavement
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is currently coordinating with local authorities to repatriate the remains of Kamlesh Pandey, though the process has faced delays due to the suspension of flights. Pandey, the son of farmer Harish Chandra Pandey, resided in Kishun Pur village, Bansgaon, Gorakhpur. He is survived by his wife, Sunita, and two daughters, Tanvi (14) and Tanya (10).
To assist those affected by the disruptions, the Embassy has established the following:
- 24/7 Helplines for Indian nationals.
- Control Rooms in Jeddah and Makkah to provide food, medical assistance, and travel coordination for stranded pilgrims.
While Saudi authorities report that airport operations are beginning to resume, security remains volatile following recent attacks on critical sites, including the Shaybah oil field. The Embassy has issued advisories urging all Indian nationals to remain calm and comply with local laws.