India advises caution to citizens in Saudi, cancels flights

Riyadh : Amid escalating security concerns in Saudi Arabia due to recent Houthi rebel attacks, India has issued a travel advisory for its nationals, prompting major Indian airlines to extend flight cancellations to Saudi cities until October 17.

IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have extended flight cancellations to Saudi Arabian cities until October 17.

The advisory and flight disruptions follow recent drone and missile attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting civilian infrastructure.

An Indian national was killed and 10 others injured in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10.

Affected passengers can opt for complimentary rescheduling or full refunds for cancelled flights until October 17.

India on Tuesday advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain calm and vigilant amid an evolving security situation in the Gulf kingdom, as IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air extended the cancellation of flights connecting Saudi Arabian cities until October 17.

Indian Embassy Issues Safety Advisory

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, in its latest advisory, urged nationals to stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack and follow instructions issued by local authorities through official channels.

"In view of the current situation, all Indian nationals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain calm and vigilant, stay indoors in the case of an aerial attack and follow the instructions issued by the local authorities through official channels," the embassy said.

An Indian national was killed in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10, which also left several people injured, including 10 Indians.

Airlines Extend Flight Cancellations

Saudi Arabia has faced a series of drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure amid escalating hostilities involving Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

In view of the evolving security situation, IndiGo announced the cancellation of flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 17.

Air India Express said it had cancelled flights connecting Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until the same date. The airline said affected passengers could opt for complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation.

Air India also extended the suspension of flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 17, saying it was closely monitoring developments and assessing when safe operations could resume. It offered full refunds to affected passengers who opted to cancel their bookings.

Akasa Air said it had extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 17, citing the escalating security situation in the Middle East and the associated risks to safe flight operations.

The airline said the decision followed a careful assessment of the evolving situation, adding that it was monitoring developments in real time.

Last week, the airlines had temporarily suspended services to Riyadh following reports of attacks at the city's airport by Houthi militants.

The latest disruptions come amid escalating hostilities involving the Iran-backed Houthi group and Saudi Arabia, with armed drones and missiles used in attacks in recent days.