Archive · 8 Oct 2026
India Urges Caution as Houthi Attacks Disrupt Riyadh Flights
India asked its citizens in Saudi Arabia to be careful as the security situation worsened.
The embassy said they should stay indoors when needed and follow instructions from local authorities.
It also asked them not to share videos or news about the events.
People were told to check the embassy’s official channels for updates or call its 24-hour helpline.
The embassy and consulate said their services were still working normally.
Several airlines cancelled or disrupted flights to Riyadh, and one flight from Delhi turned back.
The Houthis said they had launched a missile toward Riyadh airport, while Saudi authorities said they intercepted two missiles.
Saudi authorities reported deaths and injuries at airports in Riyadh and Abha.
India said attacks on civilian infrastructure were unacceptable.
India’s Embassy in Riyadh advised Indian nationals to stay alert, remain indoors as necessary and follow local authorities’ instructions.
The embassy warned citizens not to circulate event-related videos or news and directed them to official channels for updates.
The embassy, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, and their VFS services were reported to be operating normally; a 24-hour helpline is available at 8002471234.
Air India and Air India Express suspended Riyadh flights until October 10; reports also say IndiGo and Akasa Air cancelled some services, and a Delhi–Riyadh flight returned to Delhi.
Saudi authorities reported three deaths and 36 injuries in attacks on Abha and King Khalid airports; India condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure.
- Who
- The Embassy of India in Riyadh advised Indian nationals; Saudi authorities, airlines, and Yemen’s Houthi movement were also involved in the reported events.
- What
- India issued a safety advisory, airlines cancelled or disrupted Riyadh flights, and India condemned attacks on Saudi airports.
- When
- The advisory was issued Thursday, October 8, 2026; flight cancellations were reported through October 10.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, particularly Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport.
- Why
- The advisory and flight changes followed an escalating security situation and reported attacks on Saudi airports.
Indian and Saudi statements
Houthi claims
Missile attack near Riyadh
Indian and Saudi statements
Saudi authorities said they intercepted two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh.
Houthi claims
The Houthis claimed they had launched a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh airport.
Rationale for Houthi attacks
Indian and Saudi statements
India condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure as unacceptable; Saudi authorities reported deaths and injuries at airports.
Houthi claims
The Houthis said their actions were in response to Saudi support for forces of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
- Advisory date
- October 8, 2026
- Indian helpline
- Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK), 8002471234, available 24/7
- Mission operations
- The Embassy in Riyadh, Consulate General in Jeddah and outsourced VFS services were reported to be functioning normally.
- Reported casualties
- Saudi authorities reported two deaths and 28 injuries at Abha International Airport, and one death and eight injuries at King Khalid International Airport.
- Missile claims
- The Houthis claimed they launched a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh airport; Saudi authorities said they intercepted two ballistic missiles headed toward Riyadh.
- Flight changes
- Air India and Air India Express cancelled Riyadh flights through October 10. Reports also listed IndiGo cancellations and Akasa Air cancellations on its Kochi–Riyadh route on Thursday.
- Passenger assistance
- Reports said affected passengers were offered refunds or rescheduling; Air India Express specified complimentary rescheduling or a full refund.
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.."
