‘Stay indoors during airstrikes’: India issues new advisory for nationals in Saudi Arabia amid Houthi strikes | Today’s news
India on Wednesday issued a new security advisory for its citizens in Saudi Arabia amid continued security concerns following missile and drone attacks in the kingdom.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh urged citizens to follow the instructions of local authorities, stay indoors during the airstrikes and refrain from sharing videos or messages related to the ongoing events.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, comes after deadly attacks on civilian infrastructure by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The embassy also provided an update on Indians injured in the October 10 attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, flight disruptions, alternative travel arrangements and visa overstays.
“In light of the current situation, all Indian nationals are advised to continue to follow the instructions of local authorities, stay indoors in the event of an airstrike, and refrain from sharing videos or messages related to ongoing events,” the embassy said in a post on X.
Indians injured in Riyadh airport attack
An Indian national was killed while several others, including 11 Indians, were injured in the attack on King Khalid International Airport on 10 October.
Read also | Riyadh Airport Closed Until October 17: Why Are Houthi Missiles Flying Through?
India’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia attended the funeral of Mohammed Yousef Ali on October 12 and offered condolences to his family.
The embassy gave an update on the injured, saying two Indians remained in intensive care while another was moved from intensive care to a high dependency unit. Four other Indian nationals were treated in the general ward, while one person was discharged from hospital.
Flights suspended at Riyadh airport; available alternatives
Flight operations at King Khalid International Airport remain suspended, the embassy said. Regular services continue to operate from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina, although disruptions persist.
Indian carriers Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17.
“Saudia Airlines continues to operate scheduled flights from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas operates scheduled flights in the Dammam-Lucknow sector,” the embassy said.
On Tuesday, the embassy advised Indian nationals to stay in regular contact with their airlines and check the latest flight status before traveling to the airport.
Indians wishing to leave Saudi Arabia in an emergency may also consider flights from airports in neighboring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain. However, the embassy warned that travel through these countries will require obtaining the appropriate visas according to their respective rules.
Visa Overstay: What Indian Nationals Should Know
The embassy said Saudi authorities will not fine Indian nationals who entered the kingdom on visit, tourist, Umrah or business visas but were forced to overstay because flights were not available.
“However, it is important that people whose visas have expired leave the Kingdom as soon as flights become available,” the embassy said.
Indian nationals affected by the flight cancellation should continue to monitor airline announcements and follow the latest instructions issued by the Saudi authorities and the Indian Embassy.
The embassy opens a 24-hour helpline
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has set up a 24-hour control room to assist Indian nationals requiring emergency support.
Indians in Saudi Arabia can contact the Embassy through the following channels:
Phone: +966-11-488469
Toll free number in Saudi Arabia: 8002471234
Email: cw.rivadh@mea.gov.in
