India Issues Advisory for Nationals in Saudi Arabia Amid Rising Tensions
Advisory for Indian Nationals in Saudi Arabia
File image of smoke billowing from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 11. (Photo: @populergazete/X)
Dubai, Oct 25: On Sunday, the Indian government urged its citizens residing in Saudi Arabia to comply with local laws and avoid documenting or sharing information regarding missile and drone interceptions.
The Indian Embassy emphasized the importance of adhering to local regulations, sharing a notification from the Saudi Civil Defence Directorate on social media.
The notification warned that filming or disseminating information about missile and drone counteractions and their aftermath could lead to legal consequences.
Additionally, the Indian mission provided updates regarding the suspension of flights operated by Air India and Air India Express to and from Riyadh and Dammam.
According to the announcement, these flights will remain suspended until November 7, 2026, while services to and from Jeddah will be halted until October 31, 2026.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah also issued a similar advisory.
This advisory comes in light of increasing tensions in the region, attributed to a series of drone and missile strikes targeting civilian infrastructure by Yemen's Houthi forces.
On Saturday, the Consulate General in Jeddah confirmed that its 24/7 Control Rooms in Jeddah and Makkah are actively assisting affected Indian nationals, with help from community organizations and volunteers.
The support includes food, essential medications, and other immediate needs as required.
The mission is also in constant communication with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve issues arising from flight cancellations, particularly concerning visa validity and delayed departures.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is set to resume both domestic and international flight operations on Sunday, as per Gulf News. The Saudi-led coalition engaged in the conflict with Yemen's Houthis also reported that air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh.