Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Houthi Airport Attacks Prompt India Advisory for Nationals in Saudi Arabia
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.
India advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia on October 8 to stay alert, remain indoors as necessary, and follow local authorities’ instructions.
Saudi authorities said attacks on airports in Riyadh and Abha on October 7 killed three people and injured 36; the Houthi group claimed responsibility.
The Indian advisory also urged people not to circulate videos or news about the events and listed a 24-hour helpline.
The article gives two different estimates for Indians living in Saudi Arabia: 2.74 million in its headline and 2.47 million in the text.
Flight disruptions included more than 275 cancellations at Riyadh airport on October 8, while several airlines suspended or cancelled some services.
- Who
- Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia; Saudi authorities said the attacks were claimed by the Houthi group.
- What
- India issued a safety advisory after attacks on airports in Riyadh and Abha.
- When
- The attacks were reported on October 7, and India issued its advisory on October 8; the year is not specified.
- Where
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The advisory followed attacks that raised concerns about safety and disruption to civilian aviation.
- 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.