Saudi Aramco Helicopter Crash Kills All 14 on Board

Jun 28, 2026

A Saudi Aramco helicopter crash in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, has killed all 14 people on board, all of whom were Saudi nationals. The cause of the June 28, 2026, incident is under investigation. The crash occurred at a major oil refinery and port where crude loadings had just resumed after a nearly four-month halt due to the ongoing war between the U.S. and Iran, highlighting operational risks at a critical energy hub.

Helicopter crash details

▪The crash killed all 14 people on board, all of whom were Saudi nationals.
▪The cause of the crash is unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation.
▪The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. local time (03:00 GMT).
▪A helicopter belonging to Saudi Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Pakistani condolences

▪Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar extended condolences over the incident.
▪Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan stands in "complete and unwavering solidarity" with Saudi Arabia.

Regional conflict context

▪The crash occurred as Middle East producers increased oil output ahead of a potential deal to halt the war between the United States and Iran.
▪The Strait of Hormuz, near the crash site, is a key waterway for oil exports that has been a flashpoint during the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran.
▪There was no indication that the crash was connected to a hostile attack.
▪In March, a fire at the Ras Tanura refinery was caused by fragments from two intercepted Iranian drones, forcing a partial shutdown.

Ras Tanura refinery

▪The crash site, Ras Tanura, is home to a major Saudi Aramco oil refinery and port, one of the largest in the Middle East.
▪The Ras Tanura refinery has a capacity of 550,000 barrels per day.
▪Saudi Aramco had resumed crude oil loadings at its Ras Tanura terminal on Friday, June 26, 2026, after a nearly four-month halt.
▪Saudi Aramco operates one of the largest corporate fleets in the region, with more than 60 aircraft serving over 300 heliports in Saudi Arabia.