Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
India on Tuesday advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain calm and vigilant amid an evolving security situation in the Gulf kingdom, after a recent attack in Riyadh killed one Indian and injured 11 others. The Indian Embassy asked people to stay indoors in case of an aerial attack and to follow instructions issued by local authorities through official channels.
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The advisory comes as Saudi Arabia faces a series of deadly drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The embassy also said Indian nationals should not circulate or repost videos or news related to the ongoing events, while urging travellers to stay in regular contact with airlines because of flight disruptions.
In its latest advisory, the embassy said, “In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain calm and vigilant, stay indoors in case of an aerial attack, and follow the instructions issued by local authorities through official channels.” It also advised Indian nationals “to refrain from circulating or reposting any videos or news related to the ongoing events.”
The advisory was issued after an Indian national, Mohammed Yousef Ali, was killed in the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10. Several people were injured, including 11 Indian nationals. The embassy said the funeral rites of Mohammed Yousef Ali were completed on October 12, 2026, in Riyadh as per his family’s wishes, and that India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and embassy officials attended the funeral and offered condolences.
On the injured, the mission said four people remain in the ICU, four are receiving treatment in the normal ward, and three have been discharged. “The Embassy officials continue to visit the hospitals where the injured Indian nationals are receiving medical treatment, and are in constant touch with their family members and providing all possible support,” it said.
On air travel, the embassy said the General Authority of Civil Aviation has suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. It added that flights at Dammam, Jeddah and Medina are continuing, though some disruptions are being reported. Indian carriers have also suspended services. According to the embassy, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah have been suspended until October 17, 2026, as per information available at 1345 hrs on October 13, Saudi time. Akasa Air has suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, 2026, as per information available at 0900 hrs on October 13, Saudi time. IndiGo has suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Medina until October 17, 2026, as per information available at 0940 hrs on October 13, Saudi time.
The mission said Saudia Airlines’ scheduled flights continue to operate from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina, while Flynas is operating scheduled flights on the Dammam-Lucknow sector. It advised Indian nationals to remain in regular contact with their airlines and verify the latest status of their flights. The embassy also said Indians in emergencies who wish to leave Saudi Arabia may use flights from airports in neighbouring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain, but added that this would be subject to obtaining visas under the rules of those countries.
The embassy said Saudi authorities will not fine Indian nationals who entered the kingdom on visit, tourist, Umrah or business visas but had to overstay because flights were not available. “However, it is important that people whose visas have expired should exit the Kingdom at the earliest as soon as flights become available,” it said. The embassy has opened a 24×7 control room for assistance. The contact details are: Telephone: +966-1 1-488469, 8002471234 toll free for calls from within Saudi Arabia only; WhatsApp: +966-536216082 for messages only; Email: cw.rivadh@mea.gov.in.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah issued a similar advisory, especially for Umrah pilgrims travelling to and from Jeddah and Madinah. It advised Indian nationals, “particularly Umrah pilgrims travelling to and from Jeddah and Madinah, to remain in regular contact with their respective airlines and verify the latest status of their flights.” The mission also asked people to check with airlines before going to the airport and to stay in close touch with travel agents, tour operators and service providers on cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation. It said the consulate is in regular contact with airlines and local authorities and that updates on flight operations, cancellations and rescheduling will be shared through its official social media channels. The Jeddah control room can be reached at Telephone: +966 12 2614093, +966 556122301; WhatsApp: +966 536209704; Email: pbskcgi@gmail.com.
In sum, Indian missions in Saudi Arabia have asked nationals to remain alert, follow official instructions, keep checking flight status and seek help through the 24×7 control rooms, as authorities deal with the security situation and travel disruptions.
With PTI Inputs
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
