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India's embassy in Riyadh has issued a fresh safety advisory after aerial attacks in Saudi Arabia. The warning stresses immediate shelter, official guidance and careful planning amid prolonged flight disruptions.
Dubai,Oct 18, 2026 21:02 IST
India has issued a fresh safety advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia amid heightened security concerns following drone and missile strikes by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, news agency Press Trust of India reported on Sunday.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh urged the Indian community to take due precautions and advised people to immediately move to a safe place during an aerial attack. The advisory follows an October 10 strike on Riyadh's King Khalid Airport that killed an Indian national and injured several others.
In a social media post, the embassy said, "In case of an aerial attack, immediately proceed to the nearest safe place (inside a building or an interior room away from windows), and refrain from filming, publishing, or sharing any information, photos, or videos related to the ongoing events."
Embassy officials continue to visit hospitals where injured Indian nationals are receiving treatment, PTI reported. The officials are also in constant touch with their families and are providing necessary assistance.
The embassy said Riyadh's international airport remained closed to flights. Airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina were operational, though some disruptions continued.
Indian airlines have extended the suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia. Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have suspended flights on all routes until October 24, while Akasa Air has suspended flights on all routes until October 27, according to the embassy.
Scheduled Saudia flights to India are available from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas flights from Dammam to Delhi and Mumbai are available from October 17 to 24, along with scheduled services from Dammam to Lucknow. Flyadeal flights from Dammam to Mumbai were also available on October 17 and 18.
"Indian nationals requiring urgent departure may consider transiting via Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas," the embassy said.
The embassy asked Indians planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, including for Umrah, to consider the continuing disruption at Saudi airports and the possibility of flight cancellations that could lead to extended stays.
"In case of queries, 24x7 control rooms of the Embassy and Consulate may be contacted," it said.
The Embassy of India in Riyadh can be contacted by telephone at +966-554412016 and +966-542126784, or on the toll-free number 8002471234 within Saudi Arabia. Messages can be sent on WhatsApp to +966-536216082 or by email to cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah can be contacted by telephone at +966-12-2614093 and +966-556122301. Messages can also be sent on WhatsApp to +966-536209704 or by email to pbskcgi@gmail.com.
The embassy had earlier asked Indians to follow updated directives issued by Saudi authorities for people receiving emergency warnings through the Early Warning Platform for Emergencies.
The instructions, shared on social media, ask people to remain calm, follow official directions and immediately move to the nearest safe place inside a building, preferably an interior room away from windows, until the danger has passed.
People have been advised not to leave their homes or buildings until the danger is over. They should stay away from open areas, windows and glass, and avoid standing on balconies or rooftops.
Those outdoors have been asked to enter the nearest building or take shelter behind a solid barrier. The instructions also advise people to avoid crowds and dangerous areas and not to take photographs.
People who receive an alert while driving should pull over to the side of the road, away from bridges and high-rise buildings.
In case of a threat or danger, people can call emergency number 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 998 in the rest of Saudi Arabia. They have also been asked to follow instructions issued by the authorities through official channels.
The embassy's latest advisory urges Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain cautious, follow emergency instructions and account for continuing flight disruptions while making travel plans.
With PTI Inputs
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