India Urges Citizens In Saudi Arabia To Take Precautions, Avoid Sharing Attack Footage

RIYADH-India on October 18 advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to take precautions amid the prevailing situation, move to the nearest safe place in the event of an aerial attack, and refrain from filming, publishing or sharing information, photos and videos related to ongoing events.

In an advisory posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia urged Indians to seek shelter inside a building or an interior room away from windows in the event of an aerial attack. It also asked them not to film or share information, photographs or videos related to the ongoing events.

The Embassy said its officials continue to visit hospitals where Indian nationals are undergoing treatment and remain in contact with their families, providing necessary assistance.

It said flight operations remained suspended at Riyadh International Airport, while airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina remained operational, although some disruptions continued.

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 has extended its suspension until October 27, according to the Embassy.

Some flight options remain available. Saudia operates scheduled flights to India from Dammam, Jeddah and Medina. Flynas operates flights from Dammam to Delhi and Mumbai from October 17 to 24, while its scheduled Dammam-Lucknow services continue. Flyadeal has flights from Dammam to Mumbai on October 17 and 18.

The Embassy said Indian nationals needing to leave urgently could consider travelling through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas.

It also advised people planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, including for Umrah, to consider ongoing airport disruptions and the possibility of flight cancellations that could lead to extended stays. Indian nationals requiring assistance or information were urged to contact the 24-hour control rooms.

India has condemned attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, calling them “unacceptable” and expressing solidarity with the country in defending its sovereignty. (IANS)