Embassy urges Indians to follow local authorities’ instructions; airlines extend cancellations, affecting travellers and Umrah pilgrims
India has issued a fresh safety advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia amid continuing flight disruptions following an attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has urged citizens to follow instructions issued by local authorities, remain indoors in the event of an aerial attack and refrain from filming or sharing information, photographs and videos related to security incidents and their aftermath.
The embassy said two Indians injured in the airport attack remained in intensive care, while one was being treated in a high-dependency unit and three others were in a general ward. One injured person had been discharged, according to the latest update.
Flight operations at Riyadh airport remain suspended. Airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina continue to operate, although disruptions persist.
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Indian airlines have extended their suspensions. Air India and Air India Express have cancelled services to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 20
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Akasa Air has suspended flights to Riyadh until October 24 and Jeddah until October 21, while IndiGo has cancelled services to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Medina until October 24
Saudi carrier Saudia continues to operate scheduled flights to Indian destinations from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas is operating on the Dammam-Lucknow route, while Flydeal has announced services between Dammam and Mumbai for October 17 and 18, the embassy said.
Indians requiring urgent departure may consider travelling through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas and meeting entry requirements.
The advisory also cautioned prospective visitors, including Umrah pilgrims, to review their travel plans and prepare for short-notice cancellations that could result in longer stays.
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has asked affected travellers to keep their passport and visa details, airline booking references and contact information for travel agencies and Umrah service providers ready when seeking assistance. Control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah remain operational.
Indian nationals have been advised to check directly with airlines before travelling and use official embassy and consulate channels for assistance.
