Dammam King Fahd Airport attacked, flights diverted away
Since 21 Oct 2026 · Checked 23 Oct 2026, 05:01 UTC
An attack on King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia, late on 21 October killed one Saudi resident and injured eight, according to the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority. The airport suffered some material damage, and Flightradar24 reported that flights were diverted away from it. It follows a wave of Houthi missile and projectile strikes on major Saudi airports, including Riyadh. No reopening time or airline list has been announced.
What travellers should do
Check with your airline before travelling to or from Dammam, and expect diversions, delays and cancellations. Consider alternative Saudi or Gulf airports if your flight is affected, and follow government travel advice.
Your rights if your flight is affected
- Cancelled flight: you can usually choose a full refund or a new flight, even when the cancellation isn't the airline's fault. Ask for a refund to your original payment, not just a voucher.
- Flights departing the EU or UK, or flown by an EU or UK airline into them: on top of a refund you may be owed €250–€600 (or £220–£520) for a cancellation with less than 14 days' notice, or a delay of 3 hours or more on arrival.
- No compensation is due for extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, security threats, airport or airspace closures and air traffic control strikes. Strikes by the airline's own staff usually do count.
- While you wait, airlines covered by EU and UK rules must provide meals and, if needed, a hotel. Keep receipts for anything you pay yourself.
Airports affected
Sources: Saudi capital's airport reopens to limited traffic, and other Mideast news (AP via WRAL)
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