Saudi airport attack: Gorakhpur worker’s family awaits body amid flight disruptions

A Saudi father mourns the loss of his son, who tragically died while attempting to extinguish a fire at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam following an attack. Sultan bin Ali Al Mastour Al Qahtani, a dedicated airport worker, was hailed by his father as a martyr who gave his life to protect passengers. On October 21, a projectile strike caused a fire near an aircraft carrying passengers, prompting Sultan and his colleagues to rush to the scene and battle the blaze using handheld extinguishers.

Sultan inhaled smoke and experienced breathing difficulties, leading to his hospitalization. Despite medical attention, his condition worsened, and he sadly passed away. His father recounted how his son immediately responded to the emergency, prioritizing passenger safety over his own. The airport, located near Gates 19 and 20, suffered damage in the attack, which was attributed to Houthi forces according to Saudi media reports.

Beyond his heroic actions at the airport, Sultan was described by his family as a loving husband, father, and son who maintained strong ties with his relatives. His father expressed pride in his son's actions, emphasizing his willingness to risk his life to save others. Sultan leaves behind his wife and six children, including two boys and four girls who are still in school.