What has India advised Indians in Saudi Arabia amid flight disruptions?

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued a fresh security advisory urging Indian nationals to remain calm, stay alert and follow official instructions as the Gulf kingdom faces an evolving security situation. The warning comes after a deadly attack at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport killed an Indian national and injured several others, while flight disruptions have complicated travel plans.

For Indians living, working or traveling across the Gulf, the situation highlights the importance of checking flight status, monitoring official updates and knowing what assistance is available if travel plans change unexpectedly.

In its latest advisory on Tuesday (13), the embassy asked Indian nationals to remain indoors during an aerial attack and follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities through official channels. It also cautioned people against circulating or reposting videos and news related to the ongoing events.

Saudi Arabia has faced a series of drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, attributed in the supplied report to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The latest developments have affected airport operations and prompted Indian airlines to suspend services on several routes.

Indian national killed in Riyadh airport attack

The attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday (10) killed Mohammed Yousef Ali, an Indian national, and left several other people injured.

India's ambassador to Saudi Arabia and embassy officials attended Ali's funeral in Riyadh on October 12, following his family's wishes. The Indian mission expressed condolences to his family.

According to the embassy, 11 Indian nationals were injured in the incident. Four remained in intensive care, four were receiving treatment in regular hospital wards, and three had been discharged as of the update provided on October 13.

Embassy officials said they continued visiting hospitals where injured Indian nationals were being treated and remained in contact with their families to provide assistance.

The incident has added to concerns over the safety of Indian nationals in the kingdom, including those who may need to travel through affected airports.

Which flights have been suspended?

The General Authority of Civil Aviation has announced the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, according to the Indian mission. Flights from other major airports, including Dammam, Jeddah and Medina, were continuing, although disruptions were reported.

Indian carriers had also suspended services on several Saudi routes. The embassy's October 13 update listed the following suspensions:

• Air India and Air India Express: Flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah suspended through October 17, according to information available at 1:45 p.m. Saudi time.
• Akasa Air: Flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah suspended through October 17, based on information available at 9 a.m. Saudi time.
• IndiGo: Flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Medina suspended through October 17, based on information available at 9:40 a.m. Saudi time.

The embassy said scheduled Saudia Airlines flights were continuing from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas was also operating scheduled flights on the Dammam-Lucknow route.

These arrangements may change as the security situation develops. Travelers should therefore confirm their individual flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport rather than relying on an earlier booking confirmation.

What Indians should do if their flights are canceled

The embassy has advised Indian nationals to remain in regular contact with their airlines and verify the latest flight information. Travelers should also keep in touch with travel agents, tour operators and service providers about cancellations, rescheduling, alternative journeys and accommodation.

For people who need to leave Saudi Arabia urgently, the embassy said flights from neighboring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain, may be an option. However, travelers must meet the destination country's visa requirements before attempting to use an alternative airport.

This is an important consideration for anyone arranging onward travel through another country. A flight departing from a neighboring Gulf state does not automatically mean a traveler can enter that country without the required visa or authorization.

The embassy also addressed concerns about people whose visit, tourist, Umrah or business visas have expired because flights were unavailable. Saudi authorities will not fine these Indian nationals for overstaying in such circumstances, the mission said.

However, the embassy stressed that people with expired visas should leave the kingdom as soon as flights become available.

Special advice for Umrah pilgrims

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has issued a similar advisory, with particular attention to Umrah pilgrims traveling to and from Jeddah and Medina.

Pilgrims have been asked to check with their airlines before proceeding to the airport and remain in close contact with travel agents and tour operators. They should confirm whether their flights are operating and discuss alternative arrangements if services are canceled or rescheduled.

The consulate said it was in regular contact with airlines and local authorities to assist affected Indian nationals. Updates on flight operations and schedule changes would be shared through its official social media channels as information became available.

Embassy opens 24-Hour emergency assistance

The Indian Embassy has established a 24-hour control room for nationals requiring assistance in Saudi Arabia.

Indian Embassy, Riyadh

• Telephone: +966-11-488469
• Toll-free number within Saudi Arabia: 8002471234
• WhatsApp: +966-536216082 (messages only)
• Email: cw.rivadh@mea.gov.in

Consulate General of India, Jeddah

• Telephone: +966-12-2614093 or +966-556122301
• WhatsApp: +966-536209704
• Email: pbskcgi@gmail.com

Indian nationals affected by the disruptions should use these official channels for assistance and monitor updates from the embassy and consulate.

For now, the priority for travelers is to stay informed, follow local safety instructions and avoid making airport journeys without confirming flight status. With airline schedules and airport operations subject to change, official updates remain essential for anyone trying to complete or rearrange a journey.