Saudi Arabia airport attacks: India advises its nationals to 'stay indoors' if needed, remain vigilant after 3 killed, 36 injured
India on Thursday issued a security advisory urging its nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant and stay indoors when necessary after attacks on two major airports in the Kingdom killed three people and injured 36 others. The escalating security situation has also prompted Air India Express to suspend flights to and from Riyadh until October 10.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh advised citizens to follow instructions from Saudi authorities and avoid sharing videos or unverified information related to the ongoing developments.
Also Read: Air India Delhi-Riyadh flight turns back midway as Houthi attacks hit Saudi airports, all Riyadh flights halt till October 10
"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. Indian nationals are strongly advised to refrain from circulating or reposting any videos or news related to the ongoing events," the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said in an advisory.
The warning follows separate attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 6 and 7, which resulted in civilian casualties and disruptions to air travel.
According to Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), two people were killed and 28 injured in the attack on Abha Airport, while one person died and eight others were injured at King Khalid International Airport.
The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment as authorities assessed damage to airport facilities and conducted safety inspections.
India condemns attacks on Saudi airports
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attacks, describing the targeting of civilian infrastructure as unacceptable.
"India condemns the attacks over the past few days targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries."
"The targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable," the MEA said.
The ministry also conveyed condolences to the families of those killed and expressed support for Saudi Arabia.
"We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We wish speedy recovery for those injured," the statement said.
"We express solidarity and stand with the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," it added.
Also Read: Houthis claim new attack against airport in Saudi capital as witness reports evacuation
Air India Express cancels Riyadh flights until October 10
The deteriorating security situation has led Air India Express to temporarily suspend its operations to and from the Saudi capital.
"In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until 10 October. Affected guests are being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation. We continue to monitor the situation closely," an Air India Express spokesperson said.
Passengers affected by the cancellations can therefore opt for alternative travel dates without additional rescheduling charges or seek a full refund.
Saudi Arabia reports missile debris damage in Riyadh
Separately, Saudi authorities reported damage to civilian facilities in Riyadh after debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell on a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex.
The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defence said emergency personnel responded to the incident on Thursday after a missile launched by the Houthi militia was intercepted and destroyed.
The incident came amid heightened tensions following the attacks on Saudi airports and other civilian infrastructure.
Saudi-led coalition says 82 Houthi targets destroyed
Saudi-led coalition forces subsequently announced that they had struck 82 military targets belonging to the Houthi militia across several parts of Yemen.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the operation targeted locations in Saada, Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf and Ma'rib.
"The brutal attacks by the Terrorist Houthi Militia on civilians and civilian objects in the Kingdom, most recently targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, will not go unpunished," Al-Maliki said.
"Consequently, the Joint Forces of the Coalition launched a comprehensive operation, destroying a total of (82) legitimate military targets belonging to the Terrorist Houthi Militia across the governorates of Saada, Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, and Ma'rib," he added.
Indian Embassy helpline and consular services
Despite the security concerns, Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia remain operational.
The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah, along with outsourced visa and consular services provided through VFS, are continuing normal operations.
"The Embassy of India, Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah and its outsourced services through VFS, are continuing to function normally and will issue updates and advisories as and when necessary. The 24x7 helpline of Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) remains available on Toll free No: 8002471234," the embassy said.
Indian nationals requiring assistance can contact the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra through its round-the-clock helpline while continuing to follow official Saudi security advisories.
(With ANI inputs)
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh advised citizens to follow instructions from Saudi authorities and avoid sharing videos or unverified information related to the ongoing developments.
Also Read: Air India Delhi-Riyadh flight turns back midway as Houthi attacks hit Saudi airports, all Riyadh flights halt till October 10
"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. Indian nationals are strongly advised to refrain from circulating or reposting any videos or news related to the ongoing events," the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said in an advisory.
The warning follows separate attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 6 and 7, which resulted in civilian casualties and disruptions to air travel.
According to Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), two people were killed and 28 injured in the attack on Abha Airport, while one person died and eight others were injured at King Khalid International Airport.
The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment as authorities assessed damage to airport facilities and conducted safety inspections.
India condemns attacks on Saudi airports
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attacks, describing the targeting of civilian infrastructure as unacceptable.
"India condemns the attacks over the past few days targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries."
"The targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable," the MEA said.
The ministry also conveyed condolences to the families of those killed and expressed support for Saudi Arabia.
"We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We wish speedy recovery for those injured," the statement said.
"We express solidarity and stand with the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," it added.
Also Read: Houthis claim new attack against airport in Saudi capital as witness reports evacuation
Air India Express cancels Riyadh flights until October 10
The deteriorating security situation has led Air India Express to temporarily suspend its operations to and from the Saudi capital.
"In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until 10 October. Affected guests are being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation. We continue to monitor the situation closely," an Air India Express spokesperson said.
Passengers affected by the cancellations can therefore opt for alternative travel dates without additional rescheduling charges or seek a full refund.
Saudi Arabia reports missile debris damage in Riyadh
Separately, Saudi authorities reported damage to civilian facilities in Riyadh after debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell on a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex.
The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defence said emergency personnel responded to the incident on Thursday after a missile launched by the Houthi militia was intercepted and destroyed.
The incident came amid heightened tensions following the attacks on Saudi airports and other civilian infrastructure.
Saudi-led coalition says 82 Houthi targets destroyed
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the operation targeted locations in Saada, Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf and Ma'rib.
"The brutal attacks by the Terrorist Houthi Militia on civilians and civilian objects in the Kingdom, most recently targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, will not go unpunished," Al-Maliki said.
"Consequently, the Joint Forces of the Coalition launched a comprehensive operation, destroying a total of (82) legitimate military targets belonging to the Terrorist Houthi Militia across the governorates of Saada, Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, and Ma'rib," he added.
Indian Embassy helpline and consular services
Despite the security concerns, Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia remain operational.
The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah, along with outsourced visa and consular services provided through VFS, are continuing normal operations.
"The Embassy of India, Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah and its outsourced services through VFS, are continuing to function normally and will issue updates and advisories as and when necessary. The 24x7 helpline of Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) remains available on Toll free No: 8002471234," the embassy said.
Indian nationals requiring assistance can contact the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra through its round-the-clock helpline while continuing to follow official Saudi security advisories.
(With ANI inputs)
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