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Riyadh, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India on Sunday urged its citizens in Saudi Arabia to exercise caution amid the prevailing security situation, advising them to move to the nearest safe location in the event of an aerial attack and refrain from recording or sharing information related to ongoing events.
In an advisory posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia asked Indian nationals to seek shelter inside buildings or interior rooms away from windows in the event of an aerial attack. It also cautioned against filming, publishing or sharing photographs, videos and other information related to the situation.
The Embassy said its officials were visiting hospitals where Indian nationals are undergoing treatment and remaining in contact with their families to provide necessary assistance.
Flight disruptions continue to affect travel between India and Saudi Arabia. According to the Embassy, operations at Riyadh International Airport remain suspended, while airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina are operational, although some disruptions persist.
Indian carriers have extended the suspension of flights to and from Saudi Arabia. Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have suspended services on all routes until October 24, while Akasa Air's suspension will continue until October 27.
The Embassy outlined alternative travel options through Saudi carriers. Saudia operates scheduled flights to India from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas has listed Dammam-Delhi and Dammam-Mumbai services for October 17-24, while its scheduled Dammam-Lucknow services continue. Flyadeal has listed Dammam-Mumbai flights for October 17-18.
Indian nationals requiring urgent departure may consider traveling through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas, the Embassy said.
It also advised people planning to visit Saudi Arabia, including for Umrah, to factor in airport disruptions and possible cancellations that could lead to extended stays. Citizens needing assistance were urged to contact the Embassy's 24-hour control rooms.
India has condemned attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, describing them as unacceptable and expressing solidarity with the kingdom in defending its sovereignty.
At a media briefing in New Delhi earlier this week, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy had been maintaining regular contact with the Indian community and issuing advisories. He acknowledged that attacks on Riyadh International Airport and other airports had disrupted flight schedules, affecting Indian carriers, while several Saudi Arabian Airlines services between the two countries continued to operate.