Indians In Saudi Arabia Told Not To Film Missile Interceptions As Attacks Escalate; Air India Flights Suspended

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has urged Indian nationals to exercise caution and strictly follow local laws amid a series of missile and drone attacks, warning them against filming or sharing information about air defence interceptions and the locations where projectiles have landed.

The advisory was issued on Sunday after Saudi authorities stepped up air defence measures amid rising regional tensions and attacks linked to Yemen’s Houthi movement. The embassy shared a notification from Saudi Arabia’s Directorate of Civil Defence, cautioning that recording, publishing or circulating such material could invite legal action.

The warning comes as flight disruptions continue to affect travel between India and Saudi Arabia, with Air India and Air India Express suspending services on several routes until November.

Saudi Arabia Warns Against Sharing Missile Attack Videos

The Indian Embassy asked members of the Indian community to comply with Saudi Arabia’s rules and regulations, particularly those concerning the recording and circulation of security-related information.

According to the Saudi Civil Defence notification, filming or publishing details of efforts to counter missile and drone attacks, as well as photographs or information from impact sites, could expose individuals to legal consequences.

The advisory follows reports of multiple incoming threats being intercepted by Saudi air defences. According to a post by Al Arabiya English, Saudi forces intercepted 11 ballistic missiles, one cruise missile and two drones within less than 12 hours.

Air India, Air India Express Flights Suspended Until November

The Indian Embassy has also issued an update on flight disruptions affecting passengers travelling between India and Saudi Arabia.

According to the mission’s announcement on Saturday:

• Riyadh and Dammam: Air India and Air India Express flights to and from these cities will remain suspended until November 7, 2026.
• Jeddah: Flights to and from the city will remain suspended until October 31, 2026.

The suspension has affected passengers whose travel plans depend on these services, prompting Indian diplomatic missions to coordinate assistance for those facing difficulties.

Indian Consulate In Jeddah Provides Round-The-Clock Assistance

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has issued a similar advisory to Indian nationals and said its 24-hour control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah were continuing to assist people affected by the disruption.

Community organisations and volunteers are also helping provide food, essential medicines and other immediate assistance wherever required and possible.

Indian officials are maintaining regular contact with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address issues arising from the flight cancellations.

Discussions include concerns over visa validity and delays in passengers departing the country because of the disrupted services.

Riyadh Airport Prepares To Resume Flight Operations

Meanwhile, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is preparing to resume domestic and international flight operations on Sunday, according to a report by Gulf News.

The report also cited the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis as saying that Saudi air defences had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh.

The developments come amid heightened regional tensions, with Saudi authorities continuing to strengthen air defence measures in response to missile and drone threats.

Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia have been urged to follow official instructions, avoid circulating sensitive security-related material and check updates from the Indian Embassy and airlines before travelling.