October 14, 2026, RIYADH : Indian diplomatic missions across Saudi Arabia have issued fresh safety advisories for community members following widespread flight cancellations by major Indian carriers through October 17.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh urged citizens to stay calm, remain vigilant, and take shelter indoors during any aerial attack. The mission directed nationals to monitor instructions shared exclusively through official local channels and strictly warned against sharing or reposting videos and unverified reports concerning the regional security developments.
The advisory comes as key Indian carriers abruptly grounded services. Air India and Air India Express have stopped all operations connecting Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah until October 17. Akasa Air has cancelled flights operating to and from Riyadh and Jeddah, while IndiGo called off all services linking Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina for the same duration.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed that operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh stand suspended. While terminals in Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina remain functional, schedules face severe knock on delays and disruptions.
Indian Missions In Saudi Arabia Issue Safety Alert As Flights Halted
Officials advised passengers to track their flight statuses directly with airlines before heading to terminals. The embassy noted that individuals facing urgent travel requirements could explore transit routes through neighbouring Gulf states, specifically Qatar and Bahrain, provided they secure the necessary entry and transit visas beforehand.
In Jeddah, the Consulate General of India released a targeted notice for Umrah pilgrims moving between Jeddah and Medina. The mission told pilgrims to coordinate closely with their tour operators, travel agents, and lodging providers to manage alternate travel plans, hotel stays, and rebooking options before setting out for the airport.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said the suspension would remain in place while procedures to verify the safety and operational readiness of airport facilities were completed in coordination with the relevant authorities. The extension follows attacks on the airport on October 10 and 11 that killed 14 people and injured hundreds, disrupting air travel and prompting airlines to cancel or suspend services to Saudi Arabia. Several international carriers announced further flight suspensions on Monday, adding to travel disruption across the region.
