DUBAI, Oct. 14: India on Wednesday urged its nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain indoors during aerial attacks and strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities amid heightened regional tensions and security concerns.
The advisory comes following a series of deadly drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in the Gulf region, attributed to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh also cautioned citizens against sharing videos, photographs or unverified news related to the ongoing security situation, stressing the importance of following official guidance.
“In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals are advised to continue to follow local authorities’ instructions, stay indoors in case of aerial attack, and refrain from circulating videos or news related to ongoing events,” the embassy said in a post on X.
Indian Nationals Injured in Riyadh Airport Attack
The embassy provided an update on the condition of Indian nationals injured in the October 10 attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
According to the mission, two injured Indians remain in the intensive care unit (ICU), while another patient has been transferred from the ICU to the high dependency unit (HDU).
Four other Indian nationals are continuing to receive treatment in a general hospital ward, while one person has been discharged.
An Indian national, Mohammed Yousef Ali, was killed in the incident, which also left several people injured, including 11 Indian nationals.
India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia attended Ali’s funeral on October 12 and conveyed condolences to his bereaved family.
Flight Disruptions Continue Across Saudi Arabia
Flight operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remain suspended, the embassy said. Services at airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina continue, although passengers may face disruptions.
Indian carriers Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17.
Meanwhile, Saudi national carrier Saudia continues to operate scheduled services from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas is also operating its scheduled Dammam-Lucknow service, according to the embassy.
The Indian mission has urged travellers to remain in contact with their respective airlines and check the latest flight information before proceeding to airports.
Alternative Travel Options and Visa Relief
Indian nationals facing emergencies and wishing to leave Saudi Arabia may consider flights departing from neighbouring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain. However, travellers must obtain the required visas and comply with the entry regulations of the countries concerned.
The embassy also clarified that Saudi authorities would not impose fines on Indian nationals holding visit, tourist, Umrah or business visas who were compelled to overstay because flights were unavailable.
Nevertheless, those whose visas have expired have been advised to leave the kingdom as soon as flights become available.
Embassy Opens Round-the-Clock Helpline
To assist Indian citizens during the ongoing situation, the embassy has established a 24-hour control room to provide guidance and emergency support.
Indian nationals requiring assistance can contact the mission through the following channels:
Telephone: +966-11-488469
Toll-free number within Saudi Arabia: 8002471234
WhatsApp: +966-536216082 (messages only)
Email: cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in
The embassy has urged Indian nationals to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during security alerts, monitor official announcements and follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities.