October 9, 2026 – Amid a rapidly evolving security situation and escalating regional tensions in the Gulf kingdom, India has issued an urgent advisory urging its nationals residing in Saudi Arabia to remain highly alert and vigilant. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has advised citizens to stay indoors as much as possible and strictly adhere to the safety instructions issued by local authorities through official channels.
The advisory comes in the wake of a recent escalation in hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi group. Over the past few weeks, Houthi militants have aggressively targeted Saudi border regions, energy facilities, and civilian infrastructure using armed drones and missiles.
The security situation has sharply deteriorated following recent drone and missile strikes on major Saudi airports. According to Saudi authorities, attacks over the last two days have resulted in severe casualties: two people were killed and 28 injured at Abha International Airport, while another attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh left one person dead and eight others injured. In response to these developments, New Delhi strongly condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure, calling the attacks “completely unacceptable.”
“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,” the Indian mission stated. The embassy also strongly cautioned citizens against circulating or reposting unverified videos or news related to the ongoing security events on social media.
Despite the tensions, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, the Consulate in Jeddah, and outsourced VFS services continue to function normally. The mission assured that the 24×7 helpline of the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra remains fully operational at the toll-free number 8002471234.
The escalating hostilities have also caused massive disruptions to air travel between India and Saudi Arabia. Air India and Air India Express have suspended all flights to and from Riyadh until October 10. A Delhi-Riyadh Air India flight (AI2243) was forced to return to the national capital on Thursday and was subsequently cancelled. Akasa Air has also suspended its Kochi-Riyadh services. Airlines are currently offering affected passengers complimentary rescheduling or full refunds.
Published by True Roots Media Network