Father of Sultan Al-Qahtani recounts son's death after fighting Dammam airport fire

Ali Al-Qahtani, the father of Sultan Al-Qahtani, revealed that his son experienced chest pain after joining colleagues in efforts to extinguish a fire that broke out at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam following a Houthi attack. He explained that Sultan was concerned the flames would spread to the aircraft and passengers, so he and his colleagues responded immediately upon hearing the explosion.

Speaking to Al Ekhbariya TV, Ali Al-Qahtani said his son was on duty between gates 19 and 20 at the airport when the fire erupted. Sultan and his colleagues rushed to the scene to inspect and attempt to put out the blaze using fire extinguishers.

He added that after trying to control the fire, Sultan returned to his office but began to feel chest pain. His colleagues advised him to go to the hospital. He was first taken to the German Hospital, then transferred to the Central Hospital, where he later passed away.

Regarding how he learned of his son's death, Sultan's father said he received the news at around 1:30 a.m., after Sultan's brother—who works with him—informed other family members, who then relayed the news to him.

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Ali Al-Qahtani noted that his son was married and had six children—two sons and four daughters—emphasizing that his passing has caused deep sorrow within the family.

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He said: "But this is God's will, and we thank Him for His decree." He added: "He was among the best of sons. His loss has left a great sadness in our hearts. We pray for his mercy and consider him a martyr in service to the nation."