India issues fresh advisory for nationals in Saudi Arabia amid flight disruptions, urges them to stay indoors

India on Friday advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow local authorities’ instructions and stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack, as flight disruptions continued following an attack on Riyadh airport.

In an updated advisory, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said two Indian nationals injured in the October 10 attack on the airport remain in the intensive care unit (ICU). One person is in the High Dependency Unit (HDU), while three others are being treated in a normal ward.

Riyadh International Airport remains closed to flight operations, while airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina continue to operate, though some disruptions persist, the embassy said.


Also Read: Air India extends cancellation of Saudi Arabia flights till Oct 20

Flight suspensions extended

Indian carriers have extended the suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia amid the disruptions.

Air India and Air India Express have suspended services on all routes until October 20. Akasa Air has suspended flights to Riyadh until October 24 and to Jeddah until October 21. IndiGo has extended its suspension across all routes until October 24, according to the advisory.

However, some Saudi carriers continue to operate flights to India.

Also Read: IndiGo cancels Saudi Arabia flights until October 24; Akasa Air extend suspensions

"Saudia airlines continues to operate scheduled flights to Indian destinations from Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina. Flynas is operating scheduled flights on the Dammam-Lucknow sector," the embassy said in its updated advisory on Friday.

The embassy also said Flydeal had announced the launch of flights between Dammam and Mumbai for October 17-18.

Indian nationals who need to leave Saudi Arabia urgently may consider travelling through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to obtaining the required visas, the embassy said.

It also urged those planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, including for Umrah, to account for the ongoing airport disruptions and the possibility of flight cancellations that could lead to extended stays.

"In view of the prevailing situation, all Indian nationals should continue following instructions by local authorities, stay indoors in case of aerial attack, and refrain from filming, publishing, or sharing any information, photos, or videos related to the ongoing events," the embassy said.