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Houthi Airport Attacks Prompt India Advisory for Nationals in Saudi Arabia

Houthi Airport Attacks Prompt India Advisory for Nationals in Saudi Arabia
Houthi attacks put Indians in Saudi Arabia on alert: How many live there and why do they go? · firstpost.com

Attacks hit airports in Saudi Arabia, and the Houthi group said it carried them out.

Saudi authorities reported that three people died and 36 were hurt.

India asked Indians living in Saudi Arabia to be careful, stay indoors when needed, and listen to local officials.

It also told them not to share videos or news about the events.

Some flights were cancelled or paused, including flights to and from Riyadh.

The article says millions of Indians live in Saudi Arabia, but gives two different estimates.

Many go there for jobs, and some travel to Mecca for Hajj or Umrah.

India provided a helpline for people who need assistance.

Key facts

Reported deaths and injuries
Three people killed and 36 injured, according to Saudi authorities.
Indian population estimate
The article cites 2.47 million in its text but says 2.74 million in its headline.
Indian advisory
Issued October 8; urged vigilance, staying indoors as necessary, and following local authorities’ instructions.
Helpline
Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra: 8002471234, described as a 24-hour toll-free number.
Riyadh flight cancellations
More than 275 flights were cancelled at the airport on October 8, according to FlightAware data cited by the Associated Press.
Hajj quota
India’s annual Hajj quota is 175,025 pilgrims, according to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
Airline changes
Air India suspended Riyadh services until October 10; the article says Akasa and IndiGo cancelled flights until October 19 and October 9, respectively.

Quotes

Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia

India’s diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia, which issued the advisory to Indian nationals.

“In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain alert and vigilant, stay indoors as necessary, and follow the instructions issued by local authorities through official channels.”
firstpost.com

Naveen Goyal

A chartered accountant who has lived in Riyadh for a decade.

“Work-wise, Riyadh has always been welcoming. I came in 2015, at a time when the changes were happening. There's nothing here that makes us feel that we belong to another country.”
firstpost.com

Sources

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