1 hr ago
India Urges Caution as Airlines Suspend Riyadh Flights
India told its citizens in Saudi Arabia to be careful because of attacks and explosions.
The embassy said people should stay indoors when needed and follow instructions from local authorities.
It also asked them not to share videos or news about the events.
Indians were told to check the embassy's official channels for updates.
The embassy and consulate said they were still working normally.
Several airlines stopped flights to and from Riyadh until October 10.
The Houthis said they had fired a missile at Riyadh airport, while Saudi authorities said they stopped two missiles heading there.
Saudi officials reported deaths and injuries in attacks on airports.
India said attacks on civilian places were unacceptable.
India's embassy in Riyadh advised nationals to stay alert, remain indoors as necessary and follow local authorities' instructions.
The embassy urged Indians not to circulate or repost videos or news about the events and to use official channels for updates.
Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until October 10; affected passengers were offered refunds or rescheduling.
The Houthis claimed they launched a ballistic missile at Riyadh airport; Saudi authorities said they intercepted two missiles headed toward Riyadh.
Saudi officials reported three deaths in attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports; India condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure.
- Who
- The Embassy of India in Riyadh, Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia, airlines serving Riyadh, Saudi authorities and Yemen's Houthi movement.
- What
- India issued a safety advisory, airlines suspended Riyadh flights through October 10, and India condemned attacks on Saudi airports.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport.
- When
- The advisory was issued on October 8, 2026; flight cancellations were announced through October 10.
- Why
- The advisory and flight suspensions followed attacks, reported explosions and heightened security concerns in Saudi Arabia.
Indian and Saudi position
Houthi position
Attacks on airports and civilian infrastructure
Indian and Saudi position
India condemned attacks on Abha and King Khalid international airports and called targeting civilian infrastructure unacceptable. Saudi authorities reported deaths and injuries.
Houthi position
The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks and said their actions were in response to Saudi support for forces of Yemen's internationally recognised government.
Riyadh airport missile claim
Indian and Saudi position
Saudi authorities said they intercepted two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh.
Houthi position
The Houthis said they had launched a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh airport.
Key facts
- Advisory date
- October 8, 2026
- Indian helpline
- Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK), 8002471234, available 24/7
- Flight suspensions
- Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until October 10.
- Passenger options
- Airlines offered affected passengers refunds or rescheduling; Air India Express specified complimentary rescheduling or a full refund.
- Missile claims
- The Houthis claimed a ballistic missile launch targeting Riyadh airport; Saudi authorities said they intercepted two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh.
- Reported casualties
- Saudi officials reported three deaths: two at Abha International Airport and one at King Khalid International Airport. Reports also gave injury counts of 28 at Abha and eight in Riyadh.
- Embassy operations
- The Indian Embassy in Riyadh, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah and their VFS services were reported to be functioning normally.
Quotes
King Khalid International Airport
Riyadh's international airport.
“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.”
NDTV
telegraphindia.com
indianexpress.com
“The targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones.”
indianexpress.com
Air India Express spokesperson
A spokesperson for Air India Express.
“In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until October 10. Affected guests are being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation. We continue to monitor the situation closely.”
NDTV
Sources
'Be Alert, Stay Indoors': Advisory For Indians In Saudi Amid Houthi Attacks
India issues safety advisory for nationals in Saudi Arabia amid rise in Houthi attacks - Telegraph India
Indian embassy in Saudi issues advisory to ‘stay indoors’ after Houthi attack
India advises nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain 'alert & vigilant', stay indoor as necessary.."
India urges nationals in Saudi to stay alert; Air India cancels Riyadh flights till Oct 10 after Houthis attack
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