India advises nationals in Saudi Arabia to avoid sharing attack videos; flights suspended until October 17

Dubai: India on Tuesday advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant amid the evolving security situation, urging them not to circulate or repost videos or news related to the ongoing events.

The advisory comes after an Indian national, Mohammed Yousef Ali, was killed in an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10. The incident also left 11 Indian nationals injured.

In its latest advisory, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia asked nationals to remain calm, stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack and follow instructions issued by local authorities through official channels.

“In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain calm and vigilant, stay indoors in case of an aerial attack, and follow the instructions issued by local authorities through official channels,” the embassy said.

It also urged Indian nationals “to refrain from circulating or reposting any videos or news related to the ongoing events”.

Indian Ambassador attends funeral of national killed in Riyadh attack

India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and embassy officials attended the funeral of Mohammed Yousef Ali in Riyadh on October 12, in accordance with his family’s wishes.

“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. Ambassador and Embassy officials attended the funeral,” the Indian mission said.

Of the 11 Indian nationals injured in the attack, four remain in intensive care, four are receiving treatment in general wards, and three have been discharged, according to the embassy.

Embassy officials are continuing to visit hospitals where the injured are being treated and remain in contact with their families, providing all possible assistance.

Flights to and from Saudi Arabia suspended until October 17

Operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh have been suspended, the Indian mission said, citing an announcement by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

Flight operations at other major airports, including Dammam, Jeddah and Medina, are continuing, although disruptions have been reported.

Several Indian airlines have suspended services to Saudi Arabia until October 17, 2026, according to information shared by the embassy on Tuesday.

Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. Akasa Air has suspended services to and from Riyadh and Jeddah, while IndiGo has halted flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Medina.

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

Scheduled flights operated by Saudia Airlines continue to run from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas is also operating scheduled flights on the Dammam-Lucknow route, the mission said.

Indians can consider departing through neighbouring Gulf countries

Indian nationals who need to leave Saudi Arabia may consider flights from airports in neighbouring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain, the embassy said.

However, travellers must obtain the necessary visas for the respective countries in accordance with local regulations.

The Indian mission also said Saudi authorities would not impose fines on Indian nationals who entered the kingdom on visit, tourist, Umrah or business visas but were forced to overstay because flights were unavailable.

However, those whose visas have expired have been advised to leave Saudi Arabia as soon as flights become available.

Embassy opens 24-hour helpline

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has opened a 24-hour control room to assist Indian nationals affected by the situation.

Embassy control room — Riyadh

• Telephone: +966 11 488 4697 / 800 247 1234 (toll-free; calls from within Saudi Arabia only)

• WhatsApp: +966 53 621 6082 (messages only)

• Email: cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has also issued an advisory, particularly for Umrah pilgrims travelling to and from Jeddah and Medina.

It urged travellers to contact their airlines before heading to the airport and remain in touch with travel agents, tour operators and service providers regarding cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation.

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

Consulate control room — Jeddah

• Telephone: +966 12 261 4093 / +966 55 612 2301

• WhatsApp: +966 53 620 9704

• Email: pbskcgi@gmail.com

PTI inputs