India has urged its nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert and follow local authorities’ safety advisories following Houthi attacks in the region. Also, it urged the Indian nationals in the Kingdom to refrain from recording and circulating videos of the incident amid reports of crackdown by the Saudi Arabia when hotels were under attacks in the early phase of Iran war.
Meanwhile, Air India has cancelled flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 10, with passengers advised to check the latest flight status before travelling.
The developments come as concerns grow over the impact of the escalating regional tensions on air travel and the safety of Indians living in or travelling through Saudi Arabia.
"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 through official channels. Indian nationals are strongly advised to refrain from circulating or reposting any videos or news related to the ongoing events," read the advisory of issued by the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia.
Air India cancels flights till Oct 10
Air India Express and Air India have cancelled flights to Riyadh till October 10 amid disruptions due to attacks at the airport. Saudi Arabia's two airports in Riyadh and Abha came under attack, reportedly by Houthi militants. Air India Express and Air India flights en route to Riyadh returned on Thursday, PTI sources said.
"In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until 10 October. Affected guests are being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation. We continue to monitor the situation closely," Air India Express said in a statement on Thursday.
Air India Express operates 16 weekly flights to Riyadh from four Indian cities -- Bengaluru, Kochi, Kannur and Kozhikode. Air India has also cancelled its services to and from Riyadh till October 10. The airline operates 7 weekly flights to Riyadh from Delhi and Mumbai.
"The affected guests are being offered a full refund on cancellation. We are closely monitoring the situation," the airline said in a statement.
On Thursday, Air India said AI2243 flight from Delhi to Riyadh returned to the national capital and the flight was subsequently cancelled. Full refunds have been offered to passengers.
Akasa Air also cancel its flights
In a post on X, Akasa Air said that in view of the evolving security situation in Riyadh, it has cancelled QP 523 Kochi - Riyadh and QP 524 Riyadh - Kochi flights on Thursday. "We continue to monitor and assess the situation on a real-time basis, and further changes will be notified accordingly," it said.
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In recent days, there has been an escalation in the hostilities between the Iran-backed Houthi group and Saudi Arabia. There have been attacks with armed drones and missiles.
Earlier today, India condemned the attacks over the past few days targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. "The targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We wish speedy recovery for those injured. We express solidarity and stand with the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
(With inputs from agencies)
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