INDIAN EMBASSY WARNS NATIONALS IN SAUDI ARABIA TO STAY INDOORS AMID AERIAL ATTACKS, FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has warned Indian nationals living in the Gulf kingdom to remain vigilant and stay indoors during aerial attacks as security concerns and disruptions to international flights continue following recent attacks on civilian infrastructure.
In an advisory issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, the embassy urged Indian citizens to remain calm, follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities and rely on official channels for updates about the evolving security situation.
The warning comes after an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 reportedly killed an Indian national and injured several others, including Indian citizens. The incident has heightened concerns about the safety of foreign nationals and the impact of the attacks on civilian infrastructure.
India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, also appealed to members of the Indian community to remain alert and avoid unnecessary exposure to danger during aerial attacks. He said the embassy was maintaining contact with the family of the Indian national who died and coordinating with hospitals and the families of those injured.
The embassy has also warned Indian nationals against filming, publishing or sharing photographs and videos showing missile and drone interceptions or the locations where attacks have struck. It said such activities could expose individuals to legal consequences under Saudi law.
The advisory comes amid continuing security concerns in the region, with reports of drone and missile attacks affecting civilian facilities. However, the embassy’s latest warning did not independently establish responsibility for the October 10 attack on Riyadh airport.
The situation has also disrupted air travel between India and Saudi Arabia. According to information released by Indian authorities, operations at King Khalid International Airport remained suspended, while airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina continued operating with some disruptions.
Several Indian airlines have suspended or cancelled flights on routes connecting the two countries. The embassy urged travellers, including people planning to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage, to consider the possibility of cancellations, delays and extended stays before finalising their travel arrangements.
Indian nationals who urgently need to leave Saudi Arabia have been advised to consider travelling through neighbouring countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, where suitable flights may be available. The embassy cautioned that passengers would be responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and meeting entry requirements for any country used as a transit point.
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has also asked nationals affected by flight cancellations to keep essential travel information available when seeking assistance. This includes passport and visa details, airline bookings, travel agency contacts and information about any organised pilgrimage group they may be travelling with.
Authorities have encouraged affected travellers to contact the embassy or consulate through official assistance channels rather than publishing sensitive personal information on social media. The consular missions have said they remain available to assist Indian nationals facing difficulties because of the disruptions.
The latest advisory follows earlier statements in which India condemned attacks targeting airports and other civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia. Indian authorities expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
For Indian citizens living and working in Saudi Arabia, the embassy’s message is to remain alert, follow local emergency instructions and avoid spreading unverified information about security incidents. Those planning international travel have also been urged to check directly with airlines and official authorities for the latest operational updates.
The developments highlight how regional security incidents can affect not only people living near the locations targeted but also international travellers, migrant workers, businesses and religious pilgrims whose journeys depend on stable air connections.
Street News Reporters will continue to monitor developments in Saudi Arabia, including official security advisories, airport operations, flight cancellations and updates from Indian authorities concerning the safety and welfare of Indian nationals in the kingdom.
