The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued a security advisory for Indian citizens in Saudi Arabia following recent drone and missile strikes. Major airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air, have extended flight cancellations to Riyadh due to the security situation. Travelers are advised to prioritize safety and monitor official updates as the embassy activates emergency support, while travel demand for the region faces significant disruption.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued an urgent security advisory for Indian nationals residing in Saudi Arabia following a series of aggressive aerial attacks. The alert comes after strikes, including one on King Khalid International Airport, caused fatalities and injuries. In response to the heightened regional instability, the Indian mission has instructed citizens to exercise extreme caution and follow defined safety protocols to ensure their well-being.
Impact on Aviation Operations
The security situation has forced a significant reduction in air traffic between India and Saudi Arabia. Major Indian carriers, including Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo, have extended their flight cancellations to Riyadh until October 24. Similarly, Akasa Air has suspended its services across its Saudi network through October 27. These cancellations create immediate operational challenges for airlines, which must now manage passenger rebooking and potential revenue impact on these key international routes. While airports in Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina remain operational, the overall volatility has led the Indian government to discourage non-essential travel to the country.
Safety Protocols and Emergency Guidance
The embassy’s directives emphasize immediate safety measures for those on the ground. Citizens are advised to relocate to interior rooms within their homes or workspaces, ensuring they stay away from glass, windows, or balconies during active alerts. For individuals currently driving, the official guidance is to pull over in a safe area, strictly avoiding proximity to high-rise structures or bridges. For those outdoors, seeking cover behind solid, protected barriers is mandatory. The embassy has also prohibited the documentation or sharing of visual media related to these security events to ensure compliance with local directives.
For Indian nationals who require urgent transit, the embassy has suggested alternative travel routes through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, provided that travelers have secured all necessary permits. The situation remains fluid, and passengers should anticipate potential for further flight disruptions or extended stay requirements. To assist those affected, consular control rooms in Riyadh and Jeddah have been activated on a 24-hour basis to handle emergency inquiries and provide support for potential repatriation or transit needs. The next critical update for investors and travelers will depend on the resumption of airport operations in Riyadh and the status of regional security, which remains under close monitoring by Indian authorities.