Indian Embassy Issues Safety Advisory for Citizens in Saudi Arabia as Flight Operations Face Disruptions
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Embassy of India in Riyadh has reminded Indian nationals to adhere strictly to instructions issued by local authorities and remain indoors during aerial attacks, following the prevailing security situation in Saudi Arabia.
The advisory comes in the wake of an attack on Riyadh airport on 10th October, which left several Indian nationals injured. Updating their medical status, the embassy stated that two injured Indians are currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), one remains in the High Dependency Unit, three are admitted to the normal ward, and one patient was discharged today.
Legal Warnings on Filming and Strict Air Travel Disruptions
The diplomatic mission specifically warned citizens against recording or sharing footage of military operations. As per Saudi local laws, filming, publishing, or distributing content related to countering missiles and drones, or sharing details of impact sites, exposes individuals to severe legal liability.
Meanwhile, air travel across the Kingdom faces significant disruption. Flight operations remain completely suspended at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Services at airports in Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina are continuing with partial disruptions.
Indian carriers have suspended all flights to and from Saudi Arabia until 17th October. However, Saudia Airlines continues operating scheduled flights from Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina, while Flynas is running scheduled services on the Dammam-Lucknow route.
Transit Options and Travel Warnings Issued
For Indian nationals requiring urgent departure from Saudi Arabia, the embassy suggested exploring flight routes out of neighbouring Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. It clarified that travellers will be entirely responsible for securing the necessary entry visas for those countries prior to travel.
The mission also advised individuals planning to travel to Saudi Arabia from India, including those undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage, to remain prepared for sudden flight cancellations and schedule alterations at short notice due to the volatile ground situation.
