New Delhi: India on Sunday issued a fresh advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia, urging them to take precautions amid security concerns and continuing flight disruptions. The embassy of India in Riyadh advised Indians to move immediately to the nearest safe place inside a building during an aerial attack and remain in an interior room away from windows.
The embassy also urged Indian nationals not to record or share photographs, videos or other information related to the ongoing events. Meanwhile, embassy officials continue to visit hospitals where injured Indians are receiving treatment and remain in contact with their families to provide necessary assistance.
The security concerns have also affected air travel across Saudi Arabia. According to advisory, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport remains closed to flight operations, while airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina continue to operate despite some disruptions.
With Riyadh airport still closed, Indian carriers have extended the suspension of their services to and from Saudi Arabia. Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have suspended flights on all routes until October 24, while Akasa Air has extended its suspension until October 27.
Some flights to India are still available. Saudia is operating scheduled flights from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas is operating flights from Dammam to Delhi and Mumbai until October 24, along with its regular flights to Lucknow. Flyadeal had flights from Dammam to Mumbai scheduled for October 17 and 18.
For Indian nationals who need to leave the kingdom urgently, the embassy has suggested considering transit through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar before continuing to India, subject to obtaining the necessary visas. It has also advised people planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, including for Umrah, to factor in possible flight cancellations and airport disruptions that could result in longer stays than planned.
Indians facing difficulties or requiring assistance can contact the 24-hour control rooms of the Indian embassy in Riyadh or the consulate general of India in Jeddah. The Riyadh embassy can be reached at +966-554412016 or +966-542126784. Its toll-free number for calls within Saudi Arabia is 8002471234. WhatsApp messages can be sent to +966-536216082, while email queries can be directed to cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in.
The Jeddah consulate can be contacted at +966-12-2614093 or +966-556122301. Its WhatsApp number for messages is +966-536209704, and its email address is pbskegi@gmail.com.
Saudi Arabia security situation
The advisory comes amid heightened security concerns following attacks on Saudi infrastructure during the wider regional conflict. An attack at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed an Indian national and injured several others, RNA Media reported.
The incident has added to concerns over the safety of civilians and foreign residents, while the continued closure of Riyadh airport has disrupted travel plans. With Indian airlines extending their suspensions and alternative services operating from other Saudi cities, the embassy has urged Indian nationals to remain cautious, follow local safety instructions and check flight status with airlines before travelling.