Recent attacks in Saudi Arabia have disrupted air traffic. An attack at Riyadh Airport on October 10 killed an Indian national, adding to concerns over the safety of Indian citizens in the country.
Air India said its flights would remain cancelled until October 20 in view of the evolving situation in Saudi Arabia. The airline is closely monitoring developments and continuously assessing conditions to determine when operations can safely resume.
The airline reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority. The cancellations could cause inconvenience to travellers planning to visit Saudi Arabia or return to India during this period.
Earlier, India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, issued a video message for Indian nationals living in the kingdom. He condemned attacks on civilian facilities and infrastructure and said India stood with the Saudi people and leadership during this difficult time. He also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The ambassador said officials were in contact with the family of the Indian national who died in the attack. Authorities were also coordinating with hospital administrations and the families of 11 other Indians injured in the incident to provide assistance.
According to the ambassador, the closure of Riyadh Airport had led Air India and IndiGo to cancel flights. However, flights operated by Saudia, flynas and flyadeal were available. Passengers could consider travelling through these airlines or via neighbouring Gulf countries, but were advised to confirm flight status before making travel arrangements.
Passengers holding tickets for Riyadh, Dammam or Jeddah were advised to contact their respective airlines to enquire about refunds and alternative travel options.
The Indian Embassy also urged Indian nationals to remain calm and vigilant. Citizens were advised to avoid staying in open areas during air attacks and to remain inside their homes or other secure buildings. The embassy cautioned Indians against posting photographs or videos of attacks on social media, as doing so could violate Saudi laws.
The embassy, consulates and outsourced service providers continue to operate, allowing Indian nationals to contact them for services such as passport-related assistance. A 24-hour helpline has also been made available for Umrah pilgrims.
With flight cancellations in place until October 20 and the security situation continuing to evolve, Indian travellers have been advised to monitor airline updates and official advisories for the latest information before proceeding with their journeys.
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