NEW DELHI: India has issued a fresh advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia, urging them to stay indoors during aerial attacks and follow local authorities’ instructions amid heightened security concerns following the repeated Houthis attack on Riyadh. The strike killed an Indian national and injured several others, including 11 Indians. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued updates on the injured, flight suspensions, alternative travel options, visa overstays and emergency assistance.
𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄/𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 pic.twitter.com/gPuYrnft1i
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 13, 2026
India issues fresh advisory amid security concerns
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh issued new advisory on October 14, Wednesday amid continuing tensions following drone and missile attacks by Houthis militia. “In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals are advised to continue to follow local authorities’ instructions, stay indoors in case of aerial attack and refrain from circulating videos or news related to ongoing events”, the embassy said in a post on X.
The advisory follows an earlier appeal on October 15, Tuesday asking Indians to remain in contact with their airlines and check flight updates before travelling.
One Indian killed, two remain in intensive care
The October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport killed Indian national Mohammed Yousef Ali and injured several others, including 11 Indians. India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia attended Ali’s funeral on October 12 and offered condolences to his family.
According to the embassy, two injured Indians remain in the intensive care unit (ICU), while another has been shifted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU). Four others are receiving treatment in a general ward and one person has been discharged.
Riyadh airport shut, Indian airlines suspend flights
Flight operations at King Khalid International Airport remain suspended, disrupting travel to and from Riyadh. Meanwhile, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17.
Services continue to operate from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina, although some disruptions have been reported. “Saudia airlines continues to operate scheduled flights from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas is operating scheduled flights on the Dammam–Lucknow sector”, the embassy said.
Passengers have been advised to confirm flight schedules with their airlines before travelling.
Emergency travel options through Qatar, Bahrain
Indian nationals who need to leave Saudi Arabia urgently may consider flights from neighbouring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain. However, travellers must obtain the necessary visas and comply with the respective countries’ entry requirements before making alternative travel arrangements.
No fines for visa overstays caused by flight disruptions
Saudi authorities will 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, the embassy said. Those whose visas have expired have nevertheless been advised to leave Saudi Arabia as soon as flights become available.
Embassy opens 24-hour control room
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has established a round-the-clock control room to assist nationals affected by the airport attack and travel disruptions. Indians in Saudi Arabia can contact the embassy through the following channels:
- Telephone: +966-11-488469
- Toll-free number within Saudi Arabia: 8002471234
- WhatsApp: +966-536216082
- Email: [email protected]
Please see for contact details of the 24*7 Control Room established at Embassy of India in Riyadh and Consulate General of India in Jeddah ⬇️ https://t.co/q0cILkyks4
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 13, 2026
Saudi arabia hosts one of the largest diaspora with 2.74 million Indians
The security crisis and Houthis attacks have drawn attention to the safety of the large Indian expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, which is home to approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates hosts approximately 4.34 million Indians. As flight disruptions continue, the embassy is assisting affected nationals and advising them to rely on official updates for information on travel and local security conditions.
