India on Wednesday advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to stay indoors during any aerial attack, follow instructions from local authorities and avoid circulating videos or news about ongoing events. The advisory comes amid tensions following deadly drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh also provided an update on Indians injured in the October 10 attack on the city’s King Khalid International Airport. It issued information on flight suspensions, alternative travel options, visa overstays and its round-the-clock control room for Indians requiring assistance.
The Embassy said Air India and Air India Express had suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 17. Akasa Air suspended services to and from Riyadh and Jeddah, while IndiGo cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Medina until the same date.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Operations at other major airports, including Dammam, Jeddah and Medina, are continuing, although disruptions have been reported.
Indian nationals who need to leave Saudi Arabia in an emergency may also consider flights from airports in neighbouring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain. However, they must obtain visas for the respective countries in accordance with local rules, the embassy said.