Dubai: India has advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain calm and vigilant, follow instructions from local authorities, and avoid circulating unverified information amid an evolving security situation in the Kingdom.
In an advisory issued, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh urged nationals to stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack and follow official updates. It also advised them against circulating or reposting videos or news related to the ongoing developments.
The advisory follows an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10, which killed Indian national Mohammed Yousef Ali and injured several others, including 11 Indian nationals.
The Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Embassy officials attended Ali’s funeral in Riyadh on October 12, in accordance with his family’s wishes, the mission said.
Of the 11 injured Indian nationals, four remain in intensive care, four are receiving treatment in regular hospital wards, and three have been discharged. Embassy officials continue to visit hospitals and maintain contact with the injured nationals’ families to provide assistance, according to the advisory.
Airport Disruptions and Flight Suspensions
The Embassy said Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) had announced the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Flight operations at other major airports, including Dammam, Jeddah and Medina, were continuing, although disruptions had been reported.
Several Indian carriers have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17, 2026, according to information available to the Embassy on October 13.
Air India and Air India Express suspended services to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. Akasa Air halted flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah, while IndiGo suspended services to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Medina.
Scheduled flights operated by Saudia Airlines continued from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas was also operating scheduled services on the Dammam-Lucknow route.
𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄/𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 https://t.co/gPuYrnft1i
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 13, 2026
The Embassy urged Indian nationals to contact their respective airlines and verify flight status before travelling to the airport.
Indians who need to leave Saudi Arabia urgently may consider flights from airports in neighbouring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain. However, travellers must meet the respective countries’ visa requirements before using these alternatives, the mission said.
Overstay Relief for Stranded Travellers
Saudi authorities will not impose fines on Indian nationals who entered the Kingdom on visit, tourist, Umrah or business visas but were unable to leave because flights were unavailable, the Embassy said.
However, those whose visas have expired have been advised to leave Saudi Arabia as soon as flights become available.
The Embassy has established a 24-hour control room to assist Indian nationals affected by the situation.
Jeddah Consulate Issues Advisory for Umrah Pilgrims
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has issued a similar advisory, with particular emphasis on Umrah pilgrims travelling to and from Jeddah and Madinah.
The Consulate urged Indian nationals to check with airlines before proceeding to airports and remain in contact with travel agents, tour operators and service providers regarding cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation.
It said it was in regular contact with airlines and local authorities to assist affected Indian nationals. Updates on flight operations and schedule changes will be shared through the Consulate’s official social media channels as they become available.
The missions have urged Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to rely on official advisories, maintain contact with airlines, and seek assistance through the designated control rooms when necessary.
