India asks its citizens in Saudi Arabia to ‘remain calm and vigilant’

India on Tuesday advised its citizens in Saudi Arabia to remain calm and vigilant in view of the evolving security situation in the Gulf kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has faced a series of deadly drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

“Due to the current situation, all Indian nationals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain calm and vigilant, stay indoors in case of airstrike and follow instructions issued by local authorities through official channels,” the Indian embassy said in its latest advisory.

The mission also advised Indian nationals “to refrain from disseminating or re-posting any videos or messages related to the ongoing events”.

The alert came after an Indian national was killed in an attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10 that also left several injured, including 11 Indian nationals.

India’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia attended the funeral of Mohammed Yousef Ali, who was killed in the attack, and offered condolences to his family.

“The funeral rites of late Mohammed Yousef Ali, who unfortunately lost his life in the Riyadh Airport attack, were completed on October 12, 2026, in Riyadh as per the wishes of his family. The funeral was attended by the ambassador and embassy officials,” the Indian mission said.

Among the injured, four people currently remain in the ICU, 4 are receiving medical care in the normal ward, and 3 people have been discharged.

“Embassy officials continue to visit the hospitals where the injured Indian nationals are being treated and are in constant contact with their family members and provide all possible support,” the Indian mission said.

Regarding the suspension of operations at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the Indian mission said that the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the suspension of operations.

“Flight operations at other major airports such as Dammam, Jeddah and Medina are continuing but facing some disruptions,” it said.

Indian carriers have also suspended operations to Saudi Arabia.

“Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah have been suspended until October 17, 2026, as per information available on October 13 at 1345 hours (Saudi time). Akasa Air has suspended flight operations to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, as per information available at 09:0236 (Saudi time),” the mission said.

“Indigo Airlines has suspended flight operations to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah until October 17, 2026, as of October 13 at 9:40 a.m. (Saudi time),” the company said.

Saudia Airlines continues to operate regular flights from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas operates scheduled flights in the Dammam-Lucknow sector, it said.

The embassy has also advised Indian nationals to stay in regular contact with their respective airlines and check the latest status of their flights.

“Indian nationals in need who wish to leave Saudi Arabia can also use flights available from airports in neighboring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain. However, it should be noted that this is subject to obtaining a visa from the respective country as per their rules,” it said.

The Indian mission said the Saudi authorities will not fine Indian nationals who came to the kingdom on Visit/Tourist/Umrah/Business visas but were forced to overstay due to non-availability of flights.

“However, it is important that people whose visas have expired leave the Kingdom as soon as flights become available,” it said.

The Embassy has opened a 24×7 Control Room to provide necessary assistance to Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia. Phone: +966-1 1-488469 8002471234 (Toll Free; Calls within KSA only), WhatsApp: +966-536216082 (Messages only) and Email: cw.rivadh@mea.gov.in

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has also issued a similar advisory for Indian nationals, especially Umrah pilgrims traveling to and from Jeddah and the holy city of Medina.

He advised Indian nationals, especially Umrah pilgrims traveling to and from Jeddah and Madinah, to stay in regular touch with their respective airlines and check the latest status of their flights.

The mission advised Indian nationals to check with their airlines before traveling to the airport and stay in close contact with their travel agents, tour operators and service providers regarding flight cancellations, flight rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation whenever necessary.

“The consulate is in regular contact with the affected airlines and local authorities to facilitate assistance to the affected Indian nationals. Updates received from the airlines regarding flight operations, cancellations and rescheduling will be shared through the consulate’s official social media channels as they become available,” he said.

The consulate said those in need of assistance can contact the control room (24×7) on the following numbers: Phone: +966 12 2614093; +966 556122301 WhatsApp: + 966 536209704 Email:; pbskcgi@gmail.com.

Published – 13 Oct 2026 22:38 IST