DUBAI, Oct 16: India has issued a fresh advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia, urging them to follow local authorities’ instructions, remain indoors during aerial attacks and avoid sharing photographs or videos related to the ongoing security situation. Flight disruptions continue following an attack on Riyadh airport on October 10.
In its updated advisory on Friday, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said two Indian nationals injured in the incident remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Another injured person is being treated in the High Dependency Unit (HDU), while three others are recovering in a general ward.
Riyadh’s international airport remains closed to flight operations. However, airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina continue to function, although passengers are facing some disruptions, the embassy said.
Several Indian airlines have extended the suspension of their services to and from Saudi Arabia. Air India and Air India Express have halted flights across all routes until October 20.
Akasa Air has suspended services to Riyadh until October 24 and to Jeddah until October 21. IndiGo has also extended its flight suspensions on all routes until October 24, according to the embassy’s advisory.
Providing details of alternative services, the embassy said Saudia continues to operate scheduled flights to Indian destinations from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas is also operating scheduled services on the Dammam-Lucknow route.
Additionally, Flydeal has announced Dammam-Mumbai flights for October 17 and 18, offering another travel option for passengers seeking to return to India.
The embassy advised Indian nationals who need to leave Saudi Arabia urgently to consider travelling through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar. However, such arrangements would depend on obtaining the necessary visas and meeting the transit requirements of the respective countries.
Travellers planning to visit Saudi Arabia, including pilgrims undertaking Umrah, have been urged to assess the situation carefully before departure. The embassy cautioned that continuing airport disruptions and possible flight cancellations could force visitors to extend their stays.
Reiterating its safety guidelines, the mission asked Indian nationals to comply with instructions issued by local authorities and seek shelter indoors if an aerial attack occurs. Citizens were also warned against filming, publishing or circulating information, photographs and videos associated with the ongoing events.
The embassy said the latest advisory builds on earlier notices issued in recent days as authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the Indian community.
Indian nationals travelling to or residing in Saudi Arabia have been advised to remain alert, verify their flight status directly with airlines and make contingency arrangements in case their travel plans are affected.