Riyadh airport attack: Indian Embassy issues advisory; Jeddah Consulate sets up helpline for Indians

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued an advisory for Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia, asking them to follow local safety instructions, avoid circulating unverified videos and news, and check with airlines before travelling, as flight operations remain disrupted following the October 10 attack at Riyadh airport.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, while flights at Dammam, Jeddah and Medina airports are continuing with some disruptions, the embassy said in its October 13 update.

Updating on the travel advisories related to the same, the embassy detailed that Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 17, 2026. Akasa Air has suspended services to and from Riyadh and Jeddah, while IndiGo has suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Medina until the same date. Scheduled Saudia flights continue to operate from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas is operating scheduled flights on the Dammam-Lucknow route. The embassy has asked Indian nationals to remain in regular contact with their airlines and verify flight status before travelling. Indians who need to leave Saudi Arabia urgently may consider flights from neighbouring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain, subject to obtaining the required visa to enter those countries.


Also read: Air India, IndiGo extend Riyadh flight cancellations amid regional tensions

The embassy also informed Saudi authorities that they would allow Indian nationals who entered the Kingdom on visit, tourist, Umrah or business visas but were unable to leave because of flight unavailability to exit without paying overstay fines. Those whose visas have expired have been advised to leave as soon as flights become available.

The advisory also provided an update on Indians injured in the October 10 attack. Four remain in intensive care, four are receiving treatment in general wards and three have been discharged. The funeral rites of Mohammed Yousef Ali, who died in the attack, were completed in Riyadh on October 12 in accordance with his family's wishes. The Ambassador and embassy officials attended the funeral. Embassy officials continue to visit hospitals and remain in contact with the injured Indians' families, providing support.

The embassy has advised Indian nationals to remain calm and vigilant, stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack and follow instructions issued by local authorities through official channels. It has strongly advised them against circulating or reposting videos or news related to the ongoing events.

The Embassy of India in Riyadh, the Consulate in Jeddah and outsourced passport and attestation services through VFS continue to function normally.

Jeddah Consulate sets up 24×7 control room for Indians affected by flight disruptions

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has separately advised Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims travelling to and from Jeddah and Medina, to remain in regular contact with their airlines and verify flight status before travelling to the airport.

Passengers have also been advised to contact their travel agents, tour operators and Umrah service providers regarding cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation, where required.

The consulate even noted that they have been in regular contact with airlines and local authorities to assist affected Indian nationals. Updates on flight operations, cancellations and rescheduling will be shared through its official social media channels as and when they become available. Indian nationals who need to leave Saudi Arabia urgently may also consider flights from neighbouring Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and Bahrain, subject to obtaining the required visa to enter those countries.